Introducing the Bet It and Sweat It blog …

I am very happy to announce that San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group has entered into the world of gambling as it pertains to horse racing, sports betting and poker.

In doing so, we have launched the BET IT AND SWEAT IT blog. There you will find constant updates, insights, opinion and interaction between those of us who like to partake in horse racing, sports betting and poker, be it as a hobby or a serious endeavor.

I’m quite certain you will find this blog VERY ENTERTAINING and VERY INFORMATIVE.

You can start by reading my Super Bowl prediction column. And then be back on Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. for a webcast that will feature Covers.com handicapper Dave Malinsky, FOXSports.com’s assistant managing editor Zack Pierce live from Indy and Pro Football Weekly’s Editor and handicapping columnist Mike Wilkening.

Let’s talk APU Football: Here’s the recruiting class so far … I need to see me some Santiago and Rivera before I get really pumped …

As most of you know, it’s an exciting time for APU. The football program is going D-2 starting next year and that means things are getting bigger and bigger. Hopefully, our locals start realizing that a great opportunity is sitting right in their own backyard. Not to mention, the women. I’ve heard estimates as high as 6-to-1 girls to guys.

JoJo Bones, LB/DE; 6-1, 260
Lincoln HS (Stockton, Calif.)

Noah Ciccel, DB; 5-11, 165
Crespi Carmelite HS (Encino, Calif.)

Van Dennis, LB; 5-11, 210
Centennial HS (Corona, Calif.)

Sam Flemming, DB; 6-0, 210
Etiwanda HS (Etiwanda, Calif.)

Matt Hackett, LB; 6-0, 235
Enochs HS (Modesto, Calif.)

Michael Martens, WR; 6-2, 190
Centennial HS (Bakersfield, Calif.)

Nick Owens, QB; 6-0, 210
Moorpark College (Westlake Village, Calif.)

Talaiasi Taueli, DL; 6-1, 270
Mesa HS (Mesa, Ariz.)

Jonathan Thropay, DB; 6-4, 200
Charter Oak HS (Covina, Calif.)

Mark Urtz, DB/WR; 6-1, 190
Ontario Christian HS (Ontario, Calif.)

Corey Victoria, RB; 5-10, 180
Glendora HS (Glendora, Calif.)

Jordan Wernet, OL; 6-4, 280
Decatur HS (Federal Way, Wash.)

Aram’s take:
Great to see Victoria and Thropay on the list. But where’s Travis Santiago and Steven Rivera? I’m sure the APU staff has seen the film on both, but if they haven’t, I suggest they take a look at Rivera’s reel further down this blog. Height is not good enough reason to tell me he can’t play QB at the next level. Anyway, I just want to see as many locals as possible playing at APU. By the way, what an epic name — JoJo Bones. With a name like that, dude must be bad.

West Covina’s Chris Solomon picks Nevada …

West Covina running back/safety Chris Solomon spurned Colorado for Nevada on Wednesday.

Solomon was between Colorado, which he raved about following a recruiting trip, and Nevada which reportedly will give him the chance to play running back. Solomon shined as both a safety and running back at West Covina, but was mostly recruited as a safety.

Solomon was the Tribune’s 2010 Player of the Year and an All-Area selection at defensive back in 2011 after leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back CIF Southeast Division championships.

Aram’s take: Congrats to Chris! One of the hardest-working players I’ve ever seen got his efforts rewarded. Nevada is a very nice program and hopefully we see “Solo” toting the rock for the ‘Pack sometime in the near future.

Charter Oak WR Chris Gilchrist makes late-night decision to sign with Florida Atlantic


Gilchrist is headed to Boca Raton. Not bad.

Charter Oak wide receiver Chris Gilchrist decided late last night to sign with Florida Atlantic … even though he admittedly didn’t know much about the school.

Gilchrist made it official this morning by signing with the Owls. The 6-foot-5 Gilchrist had 849 yards receiving and nine touchdowns this past season.

He was deciding between Florida Atlantic, which made a late push, and Nevada and Sacramento State.

“He wasn’t sure, but I said ‘Chris, they’re gonna pay for your books and tuition, and you’re gonna be in Boca Raton, Florida,” Charter Oak coach Lou Farrar said.

Florida Atlantic reached bowl games in 2007 and 2008 under legendary coach Howard Schnellenberger, who was replaced by Carl Pelini (brother of Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini) after going 1-11 this past season.

Aram’s take:
Awesome to see an SGV kid go to FAU! Poor guy, going from SoCal to Boca Raton. Congrats to Big Chris!