2011 Schedules: Maranatha Minutemen …

Week 0 — Big Bear
Week 1 — at La Salle
Week 2 — Azusa
Week 3 — Salesian
Week 4 — La Canada
Week 5 — at South Pasadena
Week 6 — BYE
Week 7 — Whittier Christian
Week 8 — at Valley Christian
Week 9 — Village Christian
Week 10 — at L.A. Baptist

Aram’s take: Blessed (get it?) with the best QB prospect in the Valley in junior Andrew Elffers, don’t expect anybody to be taking the Minutemen likely. The nonleague schedule looks solid with the Azusa game especially interesting for local fans. The other games against Mid-Valley Division foes La Canada and South Pas may have some impact come playoff selection time, although it’s unlikely Maranatha will need at-large help getting into the dance. Not sure what to make of the Olympic League this year. I can confidently say that Whittier Christian will be down a notch due to graduation losses, but big things are expected from Village Christian and Valley Christian is always tough. With new coach Pete Karavedas being a defensive-minded guy, I think it’s reasonable to expect Maranatha to take a much-needed step forward on that side of the ball. If that happens, you’re looking at the Olympic favorite and a legit CIF title contender. I’m thinking 8-2ish sounds right as for a predicted record, although 9-1 or even 10-0 wouldn’t shock me if the Minutemen catch some bounces. You are warned …