Damien, D-Ranch beware: Pomona hires Rice …

Robledo’s blog has the story from the Bulletin about Anthony Rice being hired. I know you’re shocked … just like you’ll be shocked when San Gabriel promotes Jude Oliva to head coach. Actually, I think that Rice being at Pomona will have a very profound impact elsewhere. Here’s why …

Aram’s take: … Let’s say Coach Rice gets P-town turned around, does that mean that D-Ranch takes a hit? And what about the disgruntled P-town athletes that might find their way to Damien to play for Coach Gano? And what about the P-town talent that has sometimes found its way to Bonita? See what I’m saying? If Pomona is a winner and all that talent stays home (so to speak), then yes, this will have an impact elsewhere. Carry on with your day.

Is Schurr’s Aaron Cantu the best QB in the SGV?

Some time this summer, The Fat Man is going to make an all-encompassing list of the 10 best QBs in the SGV. That’s not just Trib land. It’s the Pasadena and Whittier areas as well. The 10 VERY BEST QBs in the area entering the season. I will form my opinion by what I see this spring and summer. If there’s a kid who’s a brand-new starter and I think he’s good enough, he’ll be on the list. This isn’t just about returning starters. But YOU CAN HELP me get a jump by giving me a heads up right here and right now. A sort of push on who to look for.


You can’t argue with 2,500 yards and 28 TDs.

So far I’ve got 2,500 reasons why Schurr stud Aaron Cantu might be the man in the SGV under center this coming season. But hey, it might be Glendora’s Chad Jeffries. It might be Rudy’s kid Rio over at Amat. It might be Arroyo’s Steven Rivera. Or it could be Charter Oak’s Travis Santiago. Then you’ve got Rowland’s Michael Ball and Monrovia’s Nick Bueno. All Bueno did was lead his team to the finals as a junior. And what might Ball have done had he not gotten hurt? And La Habra’s Cody Clements might just be the best of the lot.


You do the math on Cody Clements … 2,095 yards + 29 TDs = 13-1 record.

Aram’s Final Four to replace Anthony White at TC …

The following is my opinion of the four candidates Temple City should strongly pursue or consider. I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA if any of these guys are A. Looking for a new gig and B. Interested/going to apply at Temple City. I’m just doing my best to give back to my alma mater, even though it wants no piece. Too bad! If I had to endure two years of Spanish under Senor ApRoberts, then you have to endure my takes. (Special thanks to Senor ApRoberts for passing me when we all know it could’ve gone either way.) …


Here’s the buzz: TC’s next coach must re-institute the shaved-head policy.

In no particular order …

Brian Mustain — I was absolutely horrified when I saw pics of TC’s practices last August and the kids had HAIR!!!! Are you kidding me? Shaved heads used to be mandatory on all levels for Temple City football. Mustain would change that. I know he would. OK, anyway, now might be the time to strike while the iron’s hot for Coach Mustain. The job he did with San Dimas’ defense led directly to a CIF title. Can his stock be any higher than it is right now? Probably not. Mustain knows the drill at TC having played there. Aram’s vibe: If Mustain wants it, he’s got it.

Brian Zavala — Zavala is currently the coach at Wilson, but don’t tell me he wouldn’t jump for a chance to coach where he played. Like Mustain, Zavala knows the TC history well. There’s absolutely no indication that Zavala is even interested … but this would be about as perfect a fit as Mustain. Interestingly, though, I don’t think Zavala or Mustain ever coached at TC. I could be wrong, and if I am I’m sure some caring commenter will correct me. Aram’s vibe: Zavala’s interested. He’d also make them shave their heads.

Scott Morrsison — I said it yesterday and I’ll say it again, Coach Morrison’s personality fits TC perfectly. He’s already coached at a big-time school like Damien. He runs a tight ship, which is something Temple City prides itself on. Discipline. Fundamentals. Grit … all the reasons why Aram was not a good Temple City football player. But that’s why Morrison would thrive there. Anyway, I don’t understand what all the criticism of Morrison is about. He’s a very good coach. Aram’s vibe: I can already hear all the TC honks now, “But he’s not one of us!” What in the name of Bill Donner is going on around there? You already ran off two of you (Mooney and Backus). Well maybe not you, but the people who represent you. I think Morrison is looking and TC should be so lucky. He’d also make them shave their heads.

Erick Escamilla – What Coach Escamilla did at South El Monte speaks for itself. From what I hear, Coach Escamilla is looking to put the big headset on again. Look, the guy gave South El Monte some of the best seasons the Eagles will probably ever have. So why couldn’t he at the very least keep TC locked in that range of good, but not great? Aram’s vibe: Coach Escamilla will get a long look.

Anthony White resigns as Temple City coach …

Anthony White has resigned from Temple City after one season to become the next head coach at Buena Park. White, who replaced Randy Backus, went 5-4-1 and missed the playoffs in his lone season.

White graduated from Rosemead and played at Utah. He had assistant coaching stints at PCC, Wilson and Rosemead under Matt Koffler before Temple City gave him his first head varsity job.

Aram’s take: My poor alma mater. First Mike Mooney leaves for San Marino, then half the city council goes on trial and now one of the area’s hottest young coaching commodities jets after one season. I don’t blame White. He lives in Buena Park, so it makes sense. Plus, he joins the Fullerton school district, which is supposedly lucrative as school districts go. So where do the Rams go from here? Spring ball is nearing. Spring passing league is nearing. And now the administration is scrambling for a replacement. Fortunately for them, there are a lot of good names out there.