Burning Questions for Week 1 …


It’s showtime for South Hills! … Finally.

Can La Mirada avoid embarrassment?

The word on the street was that the Matadores were going to be 1-0 heading into this week’s showdown with La Habra. St. Paul didn’t get that word, and the Mats are 0-1 and those who feel who they had a shot vs. La Habra just a month ago have suddenly gone silent. While an outright win is looking like a long shot, La Mirada needs to avoid being blown out to salvage any sort of respect it still has in the “we’re a big-time program” debate.

Can Bonita keep it going?

It’s one thing to beat San Dimas, which let’s face it, may not be as good as advertised, and it’s another thing entirely to beat Claremont. If running back Taj Teague plays, the ‘Pack is going to be double tough for Bonita. If he doesn’t, then Bonita has a chance to build on what could be a dream season. Word from area coaches is that Claremont is a tad over-hyped along both lines, but does have legit skill guys. We’ll know more on Friday.

Can Monrovia hang with the really big boys?

Monrovia has the QB and complimentary skill guys to be labeled the Mid-Valley Division favorite, but there aren’t too many people out there who believe the ‘Cats can hang along the interior with upper-division foes. Perhaps the title game loss vs. San Dimas still lingers in the minds of many. Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox has scheduled up for a reason and this is a major statement game for his team. Glendora isn’t overly big and won’t bully the ‘Cats the way many think, but that’s not really the question. The question is: Can Monrovia deal with another team’s weapons when interior play is basically equal? We’ll find out …

Is Bishop Amat’s offense really in trouble?

The Lancers took some heat for a 23-point win last week over Garfield. You’ve got to love it. Now they hit the road to face a Dominguez team that held Crespi to 11 points last Friday. Amat’s offense didn’t light the world on fire and will have to be better this week to pull out another road win. Amat isn’t operating at full capacity, with WR Wallace Gonzalez still awaiting his eligibility. So where will the points come from on Friday? They may only need 14 anyway to pull out the win if the defense comes up big again.

Is Gabrielino for real?

Titans coach Mike Mooney may get more than he bargained for when his Titans open up this week against Gabrielino. The Eagles won big last week against Cerritos and had little trouble finding the end zone. San Marino replaces a lot of key players, but has a strong enough coaching staff to make a smooth transition. Mooney inherited a strong freshman team from last year and we’ll see just how far San Marino has dropped … or not … and how far Gabrielino has come on Friday.

Is Diamond Ranch in trouble?

The Panthers were waxed last week, 56-0, by Santa Margarita. Now the debate is whether D-Ranch is that bad or Santa Margarita that good. Friday’s home opener against Damien is the only way to find out. Diamond Ranch’s offense has some new faces in key spots, but so does Damien. This is one of the most intense coaching battles of the young season, so expect some sort of trickeration from both sides. If D-Ranch struggles on both sides of the ball again, then the Southeast Division may really be thrown for a loop … then again, it’s not November yet.

Is South Hills ready to put the distractions aside and play some football?

The Huskies have had a tumultuous offseason as high school programs go. They rarely had top weapons Jamel Hart and Jamie Canada healthy at the same time, and Canada’s status for the season is up in the air after knee surgery. Then came Transfergate, which dominated the talk during August. Finally, it’s time to play football! But a difficult test against a Baldwin Park team that proved itself good enough to hang with Rowland awaits. If South Hills is able to run right through the Braves, then all will be well Huskieville. If the Huskies struggle or are upset, then look out below.

Will Schurr miss a beat?

The expectations are still high at Schurr, but are they warranted? QB Aaron Cantu is back after putting up some of the best numbers around last season, but he won’t have his top two targets or top running back when he steps on the field Friday against Cantwell. The Spartans are confident they have the skill guys to ensure the offense keeps rolling, but others (right here) remain skeptical. Friday night should go a long way in figuring it out.