Who's better?

It's hard not to like a league that's produced players like these

NOTE: This discussion only pertains to 2000-present. It is now a very valid argument since both of these teams are a part of the same CIF division - the Southwest Division. Also, I got nostalgic while putting this thread together. Wow, are these two leagues good.

ANOTHER NOTE: If you feel I've left something out, please comment and I will add it if needed. Please help with the CIF championship years if I've got them wrong or left something out.

READER OPINIONS WANTED!

Does having the top program in the SGV make the SAL tops?

Meet the boys:
Miramonte League: Bonita, Diamond Ranch, Charter Oak, Los Altos, WIlson.
San Antonio League: Nogales, Rowland, South Hills, Walnut, West Covina

Top coaches:
Miramonte League: Greg Gano (Los Altos), Lou Farrar (Charter Oak).
San Antonio League: Mike Maggiore (West Covina), Steve Bogan (South Hills).

Notable postseason accomplishments: South Hills (CIF champs 2000, '02, '03, '05); Los Altos (CIF champs 2000 2002, '03), Charter Oak (CIF champs 2001); West Covina (CIF champs 2004), Walnut (CIF finals 2002, semis '04 ), Wilson (CIF semis '03), Diamond Ranch (CIF semis 2004).

Notable recent players: Shaun Cody (Los Altos DE), Brigham Harwell (Los Altos DE), Travis Brown (Los Altos WR), Daniel Drayton (Los Altos RB/DB), Randall Brown (Los Altos RB/DB), Felipe Aguilar (Los Altos QB), Daniel Sandello (Los Altos QB), Chapelle Brown (Los Altos WR/DB), Patrick Fuller (Charter Oak RB), Juan Silva (Charter Oak DB), Will Harris (Charter Oak DB), Michael Perri (Charter Oak QB), Bryan Payton (South Hills WR/DB), Jeremy Payton (South Hills WR/DB), Marquies Winbush (South Hills RB), Tobi Umodu (South Hills DE), Brian Slover (South Hills TE/DE), Kevin Mort (South Hills QB), Philip Guerrero (South Hills QB), Martin Garcia (South Hills WR/DB), Fred Glaster (South Hills DB), David Dreisbach (South Hills OL), Walter Thurmond III (West Covina WR/DB), Mike Williams (Bonita QB), Charles Brown (Diamond Ranch TE), Brandon Edwards (Diamond Ranch RB), Price Wilks (Wilson RB), Charles Lacy (Wilson QB), Sean Sheller (Walnut OL), Kyle Necke (Walnut RB/LB), Daniel Al-Gattas (Walnut QB), Kyle Petersen (South Hills P), Aaron Perez (Charter Oak P), Jason Murray (South Hills DB), Corey Cranford (Charter Oak LB), Keith Harris (Charter Oak RB).

HELP WANTED: I know I've left some players out. Please add suggestions.

Top programs:
Miramonte League: Charter Oak, Los Altos.
San Antonio League: South Hills, West Covina.

Occasional noisemakers:
Miramonte League: Wilson, Bonita
San Antonio League: Walnut

Fading fast:
Miramonte League: None
San Antonio League: Walnut

Bottom feeders:
Miramonte League: None
San Antonio League: Nogales

Aram's take: This argument is much closer than Miramonte League supporters want to admit. On one hand, the Miramonte League has the depth (there's no cream puffs in the league), but on the other hand, the SAL has the more recent CIF titles and the SGV's top overall program in South Hills. The players who have come out of these leagues in recent years are downright scary and represent the SGV's top talent. In that respect, the Miramonte League has the edge, but D-1 players are frequently coming out of the SAL and it's not just South Hills whose producing them. Because of Los Altos, the Miramonte League has produced the best team in recent SGV history. The 2003 Conquerors are unmatched in terms of talent and accomplishments. Miramonte League fans can keep pointing at that team, the one before it, the Cody years and Charter Oak's consistently good performances. SAL fans can point at South Hills' expanding trophy case and WestCo's title in 2004. There's is more to it than that, however. What makes these league's so strong are things like Walnut's scattered postseason success in the 2000s, Wilson's 2003 semifinals team, Bonita's sneaky good performances, Rowland's revival and Diamond Ranch's amazing talent basel and possible emergence as a reliable, winning program.
But perhaps the strongest factor that transcends both leagues is the coaches. Between both leagues there are FIVE former Tribune Coaches of the Year.
Now that the two leagues occupy the same division, the question becomes which one is better? It simply has to be asked. It must be debated. And the good news is that beginning this year, the leagues will throw it down annually and the answer will become apparent.
In terms of overall depth and body of work in the 2000s, the Miramonte League is better. In terms of the past two seasons, the SAL is better. Which brings me to the question of what league do you favor going forward? As of right now, mid-summer 2006, which league do you favor heading into 2006? The answer is the SAL. South Hills will likely reload. West Covina is loaded and according to some better than the 2004 team. Rowland is easily a Top 10 SGV team. Although Charter Oak and Los Altos remain strong, they don't tower over any of the SAL's top teams. Charter Oak is 1-1 the past two seasons against WestCo. Both games were tight. South Hills routed LA last year, but it was the Huskies first win in four tries. Rowland blasted Wilson last season and the 04 game was close. Walnut and Bonita seem to go back and forth. Detractors of the SAL will finally get their chance to have the "they play in a weak division" argument substantiated or proven wrong. The vibe here is that it will be proven wrong. It should be fun.
Edge: San Antonio League

Posted by at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (67)

NOTE: This is the first in a series of league comparisons brought to you by www.insidesocal.com/aram. IT ONLY PERTAINS TO THE 2000s. I don't want to go too far back in history because of the ever changing dynamics of the Valley and my ever decreasing memory. You will find that the leagues involved have many similarities, possibly including sharing the same division. Thus the argument is valid and could prove noteworthy come mid-November.

I'm not so Schurr that Almont League fans will like what I have to say.





Schurr QB Joseph Orduno doing something the Spartans don't usually do - pass.

ANOTHER NOTE: If you feel I've left out something important about these leagues, then please feel free to comment and I will add it if it's valid. I don't pretend to know everything about either of these leagues. Covering as many teams/leagues as I do, not all of the info is easy to retain. So, please help me out and help out the discussion by adding input or info.

READER OPINIONS WANTED!

Perhaps Salmon-to-Leon was a once in a lifetime thing.

Meet the boys ...
Almont League: Alhambra, Bell Gardens, Mark Keppel, Montebello, San Gabriel and Schurr.
Mission Valley League: Arroyo, El Monte, Gabrielino, Mountain View, Rosemead and South El Monte.

Top coaches:
Almont League: Keith Jones (San Gabriel), Gil Ruedaflores (Alhambra).
Mission Valley League: Jim Singiser (Arroyo), Matt Koffler (Rosemead), Erick Escamilla (South El Monte).

Notable postseason accomplishments:
Almont League: San Gabriel (CIF-SS Division VII finals in 2003).
Mission Valley League: South El Monte (CIF-SS Division VII semifinals 2005), Arroyo (CIF-SS Division VII semifinals 2004), Rosemead (CIF-SS Division VII semifinals 2001).

Notable recent players:
Almont League: Jesse Ramirez (Schurr RB), Alfred Varela (San Gabriel WR), Frankie Bernard (San Gabriel QB), Fred Colbert (Alhambra RB), Dominic Breazeale (Alhambra QB), Kevin Harris (San Gabriel LB).
Mission Valley League: Deon Sumler (Rosemead RB/DB), Lee Aguirre (South El Monte QB), Dominic Salmon (Arroyo QB), Ronnie Williams (Arroyo LB), Efrain Oquendo (Arroyo LB), Sergio Leon (Arroyo WR), Paul Zuniga (Gabrielino QB), Kenny Andrew (Arroyo OL).

Top programs:
Almont League: Schurr and San Gabriel
Mission Valley League: Arroyo and Rosemead

Occasional noisemakers:
Almont League: Bell Gardens (not always the case)
Mission Valley League: South El Monte

Fading fast:
Almont League: Montebello
Mission Valley League: Gabrielino

Bottom feeders:
Almont League: Keppel
Mission Valley League: El Monte and Mountain View (tie).

Aram's take: Call me crazy, but I think the Mission Valley League is the most underrated league around. Every year Mission Valley League teams embarrass other Valley teams i.e. Rosemead over Baldwin Park last year or So. El Monte over San Dimas. But every year the league maintains a stigma of weakness from outside observers. The numbers just don't agree with the masses, though. However, I hope the stigma doesn't wear off because I like how the MVL players compete with an edge that wreaks of their desire to prove people wrong.
To me, the argument between the MVL and Almont isn't even close. I will take the MVL any day. I know that in reality the gap isn't that big. But when I think of Almont League teams, I think of unfulfilled hype or promise. Disappointment, if you will. San Gabriel's march to the CIF finals in 2003 is the only thing saving face for the Almont.
Things could change this year IF Alhambra lives up to the hype and IF SG continues to pick up where Jones and Co. off in 2003 ... they started to last year. Keep in mind that Almont League teams lost in the first round of the playoffs by a combined score of 124-13. Almont League No. 1 Schurr was thumped by MVL No. 3 Arroyo, 44-6. 'Nuff said.
Edge: Mission Valley League

READER OPINIONS WANTED!

Coming soon ....
Miramonte League vs. San Antonio League

Posted by at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (45)

Hey, I know you. You're that dude who played QB for the Rhein Fire.





New Northview High football coach Jim Arellanes at his previous job.

There's turnover every year. Some years more than others. But never has there been as much turnover at so many of the Valley's top football programs as there was this off-season. The circumstances might have been different in each separate case, but the pressure on the new caretakers of these programs is definitely something all have in common.

READERS: I NEED YOUR TAKES ON THESE GUYS.
Here they are ...

Here are the newbies ...

Jim Arellanes, Northview - The Vikings had better develop some good QBs ... that's all I can say.

Mike O'Shields, Walnut - Don't expect O'Shields to deviate too far from former coach Jerry Person's style. Man, I miss Person. And man, O'Shields is walking into a bad situation given the strength of this year's San Antonio League ... meet the boys - WestCo, South Hills and Rowland.

Roddy Layton, Diamond Ranch - Welcome to your first head coaching job. Now figure out a way to beat Farrar, Gano, Oviedo and Podley.

Mark Verti, Bishop Amat - It's a good thing Verti is young, that way he'll be able to handle all the pressure without the health problems. I never thought I'd see the day I had to interview a coach younger than I am. And I certainly didn't think I'd see it at Amat. But the years keep adding up! Anyway, Verti and I know each other. I put down a number of pizzas while watching his UCLA teams.

Craig Snyder, Rowland - Talk about walking into a great situation. But just to be sure, Snyder had better still be wearing the big headset next season.

Ray Hernandez, La Puente - He was part of the greatest prep football coaching staff ever last year at Rosemead. Anyway, first question: How does it feel to have had Rick Ward set the bar of excellence for you?

Readers: Do the math. Walnut was in the semis and championship game recently under Person. Northview made the playoffs under Todd Quinsey in each of his seasons and was a major player every year in the Valle Vista League. Bishop Amat is Bishop Amat. Rowland is in the midst of its revival and it's well known the Raiders have one of the best senior classes around. Diamond Ranch is now two years removed from winning the Mt. Baldy League, reaching the semis and sending a good number of players onto the next level. You don't usually see jobs at programs of this caliber open up all in the same year.

Can the names above keep things going? I'm not Pete Yorn, but I want to know!

Posted by at 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (61)

Is this a church or a football school?





Big time recruits, flashy skill players and championship fever are what Monrovia fans have to look forward to this season.

I did some calling around because Monrovia is not a team in my coverage area. I do follow the Cats nearly as close as I do my core schools because Monrovia is one of the schools discussed on a TV show I am a part of.
I made an interesting comment about Monrovia athletics during our final show of last school year. I said the school is experiencing a sports renaissance. No disrespect to Ms. Gates/Mrs.Sumulong, but the biggest renaissance taking place on campus has to do with the football and baseball programs. The baseball team just won a CIF title and now many people feel it's the football team's turn.

The excitement leading up to this season went from palpable to hysterical when the Wildcats got two skill position transfers that, when added to what was already returning, give the team one of the best offenses in the SGV.
QB David Potts is one of the top weapons around and is fully experienced entering his senior season. He gets Los Altos transfer James Davis at running back to hand the ball to and a speedy target in Damien transfer Tyler Thompson.
Potts arguably benefitted most of any player in the program by these two arrivals. As good as Monrovia will be offensively, the only thing tempering my optimism is the defense. M-Town's 20 points per game allowed last season looks OK on paper until you see what quality teams did to the Cats' stop unit. West Covina put up 42, Charter Oak 34, Rosemead 27, Temple City 27, Crespi 32.
If Monrovia wants to take the next step, it must prove capable of making stops against good teams. This isn't exactly breaking news, so one would have to assume that improving the defense is Coach Steve Garrison's biggest concern given how good/reliable the offense looks right now. Here's the sked:

at Montclair (win)
Duarte (win)
at Arcadia (toss-up)
West Covina (loss)
La Salle (win)
La Canada (win)
at Blair (PCC) (win)
San Marino (win)
Temple City (win)
at South Pasadena (win)

Projected record: 8-2 or 9-1.
Rio Hondo League: Overwhelming favorite.
Playoffs: Yes, championship game contender.

The newly added game against Arcadia appears to be the acid test that will tell everyone just how real the Cats are. If Monrovia rolls thru the Apaches, they'll probably give West Covina a better game than I currently envision. Don't sleep on Arcadia, however. From what I've heard, the Apaches have gotten some ringers of their own.
The game against West Covina, if M-Town somehow wins, could propel the team to a No. 1 seed in the playoffs because I just don't see the Cats being touched in the Rio Hondo League.
Coach Steve Garrison turned around Monrovia's program in the 90s, but the fun has kind of stalled in recent years. That's about to change and M-Town fans can get ready to see some primetime football again.

Posted by at 5:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (98)

Two seasons have past since Wildcats coach Robert Oviedo led his program to the semifinals of the Division VI playoffs with a team that would've likely walked away with a CIF title in most other seasons (Los Altos def. Orange Lutheran in championship).
Unfortunately for Wilson fans, and you guys remain a good fan base, the team has fallen back on hard times. Granted, 2003's team had some great talent. But going 11-12 the past two seasons just isn't going to cut it, especially after fans got a taste of what it's like to win again.
Fortunately for the Wilson contingent, there not only is talent for a big season, but the coaching staff remains one of the of best in the area.

Wilson had its problems finishing games last season. Many halftime leads were squandered under some often bizarre circumstances. The defense also betrayed the team, allowing over 30 points per game. The offense was one of the best in the area, averaging over 30 points per game.
Wilson entered last season with some unproven skill players and a very good offensive line. The opposite is true this season, minus an established QB. The Wildcats have arguably the area's top overall player in running back/defensive back Daniel Bernal. Receiver Iran Blandon is an explosive target. All-purpose threat Tim Gilmore showed signs of greatness last year as FRESHMAN! Gilmore suffered thru some injuries, but is a player ready to be burst upon the local scene.
If Wilson finds a QB and some form of decent protection and push from its offensive line, the Wildcats could have another year like 2003.

Here's the sked:

Sept 9 - La Puente (win)
Sept. 15 - at Glenn (win)
Sept. 22 - Schurr (win)
Sept. 29 - at Montebello (win)
Oct. 6 - at South El Monte (win)
Oct. 13 - Bonita (win)
Oct. 20 - Diamond Ranch (win)
Oct. 27 - at Los Altos (toss-up)
Nov. 3 - Rowland (toss-up)
Nov. 9 - at Charter Oak (loss)

Projected record: 8-2 or 7-3
Miramonte League: 2nd or 3rd
Playoffs: Likely; darkhorse semifinals contnender.

Wilson's schedule goes from favorable early to insurmountable late. The Miramonte League is going to be ridiculously tough this year with Diamond Ranch joining the fray. A nonleague game against Rowland in the second to last date of the season is no great shake. Playing Charter Oak in the finale with either a league title or playoff positioning on the line is also a big task.
I think Wilson is good enough to beat Los Altos and Rowland. But most likely a split is the safest bet.
It's no secret what Oviedo and Co. will do this year - Bernal is going to get the ball in a myriad of ways with Gilmore and Blandon popped in for big plays when teams key on Bernal. I have no clue who the new QB is, but Oviedo and OC Willig (not sure of his first name or if he's still there) have done a good job developing signal callers.
Wilson is again going to put up major points. The question is whether the defense will give them back just as fast? Put simply, with only improved health and luck, Wilson's defense will be better and that is Oviedo's strength.
This literally is a team where the phrase "anything is possible" aptly applies.

MONROVIA WILDCATS schedule + analysis coming next.

Posted by at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (103)

I feel bad, but I can't find action shots of these guys ... trust me though, JJ also plays receiver.





Covina receiver/defensive back #4 Jamal James

Receiver has been a deceptively strong position for Valley football teams in recent years. This year is no different. So much of what any receiver can do is contingent upon having a good QB. That's why you'll find that many of the guys who made this list also just so happen to have a teammate on the Top 10 QBs list. Glad I could provide the obvious statement of the day.

1. Michael Johnson, Charter Oak - Hands down the best D-1 prospect in the area.

2. Jamal James, Covina - All of Covina's explosiveness tihs season comes down to JJ. No pressure, though.

3. Travis Eschardies, Damien - Around Damien, "hooking up" means Mendrun-to-Eschardies.

4. Rex Foss, Los Altos - No longer playing second fiddle, Foss will put up big #s as the Conqs' No. 1 target.

5. Iran Blandon, Wilson - Outstanding breakthrough season in '05, Blandon will do even more this year.

6. Jordan Edmond, Glendora - Not quite sure if he'll get carries or catch passes. But Edmond needs to handle the ball more often this year.

7. Nic Curry, South Hills - Part of a very mysterious Huskies' offense, as it currently stands. I think Curry is going to see time at WR. One of the SH honks around here please help.

8. Jon Joe, San Dimas - It's hard to see J-2 stuck in a Wing-T offense, but hey, the program is clean.

9. Mark Gutierrez, Mountain View - Most people will know Gutierrez's name by season's end - not just track followers.

10. Tommy Cogburn, South El Monte - Tipped his hand last year while scouring for PT, Cogburn should be used in a myriad of ways for the Eagles.

NOTE: Eugene Palmer, formerly of Diamond Ranch, would've made this list, but I heard he transferred to Muir. Maybe he didn't like the Panthers' schedule.

Posted by at 12:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (37)

WestCo's loaded backfield could be tops in the area.





Tyler Hockenhull had a big impact after transferring to West Covina from Muir.

AS ALWAYS, FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR OPINIONS.

1. Aaron Harris, Baldwin Park - Arguably the Valley's most prized recruit, Harris could lead BP back to prominence this season.

2. Daniel Bernal, Wilson - Part of a loaded set of skill players for the Wildcats.

3. Dominique Gaisie, Bishop Amat - Has to stay healthy and be the undisputed focal point of Amat's offense.

4. William Wallace, West Covina - Speaking of staying healthy ... if Wallace does, LOOKOUT!

5. Rene Small, Rowland - Was hyped by Raider insiders last year, but took a backseat to Mark Burgos.

6. Tyler Hockenhull, West Covina - Will get his share of the carries.

7. Johnny Crespo, Charter Oak - Pint-sized Amat transfer will get a heavy load this year.

8. Zack Butler, Glendora - Has a hard act (Ben Rodriguez) to follow.

9. Ira Thomas, Los Altos - Gano warns this 200-pounder "can play."

10. Will Davis, Northview - Would be the featured back if big league dreams don't get in the way.

Posted by at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (59)

Maybe Mike McD will be good enough to win Valle Vista League MVP honors this season ...





Covina quarterback Mike McDonough flies over the field for fun vs. Tesoro.

I'm sorry, was that me who said no discussion about the 2006 season until after the Hall of Fame Game? Oh well, it's my site and what was spawned out of an argument at a passing league game with a person who will remain nameless has now been taken to the best prep sports blog in the nation - RIGHT HERE, BABY. 'Cause I've got that kind of juice.

Should you disagree, you'd better post, tell me where I'm wrong and share what your Top 10 is.

1. Mike McDonough, Covina - Plays QB like a cross between Mike Tyson and Mike Vick.

2. Matt Castaneda, Los Altos - Would be Amat's starter this year had he stayed.

3. Mark Mendrun, Damien - Last year's godsend, this year's catalyst.

4. Drew Carreon, Charter Oak - Nothing but weapons around him, the kid gloves come off this year.

5. Philip Chase, Rowland - Arm or legs, pick your poison.

6. George Munoz, West Covina - Bulldogs' new offense should help Munoz's numbers improve. Only player on this list with a CIF ring.

7. Garrett Crook, Glendora - Saw limited action last year, but comes from good bloodlines.

8. Jeff Chavez, Bonita - Low-profile QB school sends out another breakout candidate under center.

9. Brandon Parham, South Hills - I still believe Parham will be the No. 1 guy, but this could be a two-headed monster all season.

10. Nick Lamaison, South Hills- This is the other head, and he's turned what should've been an easy call into a difficult decision for Huskies coach Steve Bogan.

Posted by at 7:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2635)

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

1. Hire a name coach - This one is completely off the books now, but it's worth repeating. I am not saying Mark Verti isn't going to do a good job. Nobody has a clue about him yet. But the school had a wide open door of opportunity after Mike DiFiori resigned, and they hired from within. Great.
Verti could either be the find of a lifetime or a 20-something-year-old gamble that sends Amat fans off the deep end. Not exactly the predicament most fans wanted to be in, but hey.
Here's the thing Verti has going for him. His youth can be played two ways. He's either too young to handle such a position or he's the young guy who relates to the players. No matter how you feel about himt, Verti is a former UCLA football player and he's got that on any other local coach. He knows what it takes to go from Amat to the big-time. He can wield his connections to the next level as something that gets kids to Amat because the coach can help them to the next level.

2. Field turf - Uh ... I don't care how much it costs ... the cash wasn't spent on a coach, so put in a nice field. Amat's field is already solid, but some artificial stuff would give the impression that the school is a cutting edge athletic institution. The new gym/weight room/locker room/coaching offices were a step in the right direction. When some kid comes to Amat to watch a game, he should see a state of the art field that will get him excited to possibly play there.

3. Throw rocks at South Hills, Los Altos and Charter Oak high schools until they crumble - Why go to Amat for $ 4-5 Gs per year when you can find a loophole and go to one of these schools for free?
"Gee lil Billy, you want to go play for Steve Bogan, Greg Gano, Lou Farrar or Mark Verti?"
And when the kid asks "Who's Mark Verti?" ... see No. 5 (below)

4. Website - www.bishopamat.org isn't cutting it. Most of the top football programs in SoCal have a website, Amat does not. Some of you might say "The Tribune's website is basically Amat's, so what's the point:?" Hahaha, very funny, but I want to read how the team did in its passing league games, linemen competitions and any other endeavors.
On that note, the football program needs to work better with the media. You know how many long conversations I've had with Gano, Bogan, Farrar, Mark Pasquarella, Mike Maggiore and Jim Singiser? Too many to count. Access to those programs might as well be an open door for the Tribune. I've talked to Verti once. Granted, it's still early. But I know what guys in my position have gone through in the past.
I've always had the vibe that those associated with Amat's football program feel as though it's the media's privelege to cover them and not the other way around. Truth is, it's 50/50 - it's the Tribune's privelege to cover the teams it does and it's the said team's privelege to get covered.
I do not feel that way with any of the other sports programs at Amat. The world-renowned Amat girls hoops team has been made readily available by coach Richard Wiard. And I'm talking non-stop features during the week leading up to a state championship gam. Think about how distracting that can be.

5. Promote the past - As each day passes, the school's glorious past gets further and further away. Amat has relied on name and rep way too long ... but if you're going to do that, then do it well. It's time to show today's teenagers what Amat's program is/was all about. Since tantalizing them with CIF title runs and league titles is not really an option anymore, how about making some of the stars of the past more visible?
The kids of today are growing up with a different Amat than I had during my not-so-long-ago childhood. When I was in HS, Amat games were a freak show. My boys and I went to games to see who the latest freak was carrying the ball for Amat. We weren't Amat fans at all, but we wanted to see the spectacle. I got to see Scott Fields, Rodney Sermons and others. I also got to see Amat make deep runs in the playoffs. Those games vs. Loyola were priceless.
I interviewed Ralph Brown III last year for an NFL playoffs story. I asked him all about what it was like to play for Amat back in the day. He said he can still remember what it felt like just to be the starting tailback at Amat. He said it was similar to thinking about being an NFL player. The reason Brown feels this way is because he grew up watching all the guys who played the position before him, and to be the next in line was probably a mind blowing experience. Who do the SGV football prospects of today point to and say they want to be like - Shaun Cody? Brigham Harwell? Bryan Payton? Daniel Drayton? Patrick Fuller? Bret Lockett?
I am willing to bet most teenaged SGV football prospects know about Cody and not Brian Russell.

Posted by at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (47)