As far as small schools are concerned, Rose City still belongs to La Salle, which routed Maranatha for the second consecutive season. But the fourth week of the football season also saw Muir route Verdugo Hills, 70-6. Anyone think the Mustangs aren’t the favorite in the Pacific. Over at Monrovia, it was just win baby as the Wildcats improved to 3-0 with a closer-than-expected 26-13 victory over San Dimas.
PASADENA — The distinction of being the best small-school football team in Pasadena again rests with La Salle High School.
The Lancers left no doubt for the second consecutive season.
Bryce Harvey rushed for 102 yards and three touchdowns and host La Salle held Maranatha to a minus-1 yard rushing en route to a 40-0 victory over the Minutemen in the schools’ annual nonleague battle.
Milan Acquaah rushed for 108 yards and two scores and quarterback Will Pyburyn threw for a 158 yards for the Lancers, who improved to 2-2. La Salle won last season’s game, 63-7.
Eli Snyder threw for 141 yards for the Minutemen, who fell to 2-2 after winning their first two games.
La Salle coach Russell Gordon: “It’s great (to win this game). It’s great for the school, great for the community. Anytime you win a rivalry game, it’s amazing.”
— Steve Ramirez, @steverramirez on twitter
Maranatha’s Chris Ajalat (52) attempts to stop La Salle’s running back Bryce Harvey (2) as he makes a touchdown during the first half of Friday night’s prep football game at La Salle High School in Pasadena, on September 20, 2013.
(Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz/Pasadena Star-News)
HOW THE TOP 10 FARED
1. Monrovia 26, San Dimas 13 — This one was closer than expected, although the Wildcats (3-0) were without starting QB Deshawn Potts, who was nursing an injury. But San Dimas always plays the ‘Cats tough. Question is will they meet again?
2. St. Francis 49, La Mirada 20 — The Golden Knights (3-0) routed the Matadores and look capable of reclaiming the top spot as the area’s elite program. They get that shot in two weeks when they come to M-Town.
3. Muir 70, Verdugo Hills 6 —The Mustangs (2-1) are saying, ‘Don’t forget about us!” Don’t worry, we aren’t, especially after DeShon Williams puts in his two cents for early Player of the Year honors, accounting for 268 yards and six touchdowns. Muir is the favorite in the Pacific.
4. Rio Hondo 38, Calvary Murrieta 0 — The Kares (3-1) might not lose again. They overmatched the CMs, leading 32-0 at halftime. Why they aren’t ranked No. 2 in the Northeast is beyond logic.
5. San Marino 70, Nogales 0 — All seems to be well again in George Patton’s town. The Titans (2-1), after giving up nearly 500 yards in a 56-53 loss to Crescenta Valley last week, showcased their offense again, with Andrew Ferraco accounting for five TDs, with more than 200 yards rushing. Watch out for these guys.
6. La Salle 40, Maranatha 0 — Were the Lancers (2-2) hardened by losses to big boys Cathedral and Bishop Diego? It appears so after making easy work of the Minutemen (2-2). La Salle now enters Del Rey League, where it will be the favorite. The question is how about the Northwest Division? As Russell Gordon said Friday, we’ll see.
7. Pasadena Poly (2-0) hosts Malibu, today, 3 p.m. — Can Poly continue its early-season success. We think so.
Mar Vista 34, No. 8. Gabrielino 21 — No 5-0 start for the Eagles this year. But I still like their chances to make a run in the Mission Valley League.
Crescenta Valley 42, No. 9 La Canada 14 — The battle of the 210 West goes to the Falcons, who knocks Sparta from the unbeatens. The Falcons might be a player in the Pacific. Donnie Breneman led La Canada with two touchdowns.
No. 10 Arcadia 8, Azusa 7 — This might be a barometer reading for the Apaches, in a bad way. I thought they might have more of an upper hand, but a win’s a win, especially after getting an interception in the waning moments.
OTHER RESULTS
Boron 40, Flintridge Prep 14 — The Rebels have Stefan Smith. But maybe not much else.
Sierra Vista 47, Keppel 0 — So much for thinking things might change this year for the Aztecs. Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Rosemead 14, Warren 7 — A nice win for the Panthers. Maybe they can threaten Arroyo in the Mission Valley League? We’ll see.
San Gabriel 13, Beverly Hills 6 — The Mats needed this. Maybe it will be a confidence builder heading into the Almont League.
Salesian 41, Pasadena 6 — Again, Rome wasn’t built in a day
Westminster 55 Bosco Tech 0 — Tigers need some confidence heading into Del Rey League play.
Eagle Rock 27, Temple City 6 — Can the Rams turn it around and challenge for a playoff spot in Rio Hondo League? Now I’m not so sure.
L.A. Wilson 24, Alhambra 13 — A tough loss for the Moors, who need some confidence going into league play
L.A. Douglass 57, Blair 0 — Another tough loss for the Vikings.
Glendale 23, South Pasadena 7 — Tigers early-season struggles continue
FRIDAY NIGHT ROUNDUP: San Marino rolls over Nogales
