Mrs. McDonough,
I would like to just say that Michael is the best that they came. His love for football is in his eyes. I have seen him play and he is not just good but a 2 year MVP player. You have a boy of GOLD and you must be very proud:)
THANK MICHAEL FOR A VERY GOOD YEAR!!!

DAMIEN DAD:

I SPOKE WITH MIKEY THIS MORNING AND HE WAS SO EXCITED TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR SON KNOWING HIM AT ANDREWS. HE THOUGHT THAT WAS SO COOL(IN HIS OWN WORDS.) I TOLD HIM ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT HIM, AND HE SAID "MOM, WILL YOU GET ON THE BLOG AND TELL HIM AND THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE STUCK UP FOR ME, THAT I JUST WANTED TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR SUPPORT, CAN YOU DO THAT FOR ME MOM?"
AND I PROMISED HIM THAT I WOULD. SO ON BEHALF OF MY SON THANK YOU!!!! MICHAEL HAS NEVER READ THE BLOG IN FOUR YEARS, AND DOES NOT EVEN READ HIS OWN ARTICLES IF I DON'T MAKE HIM SIT DOWN AND LISTEN TO THEM WITH ME. HE HAS NEVER CARED ABOUT STATS OR ARTICLES OR ANYONES OPINION OF HIM...HE JUST LOVES TO PLAY...AND PLAYS FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME. BUT I AM GOING TO PRINT YOUR BLOG TODAY AND SHOW HIM HOW ALL OF HIS FRIENDS AND PAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOOTBALL BUDDIES ARE ALL PLAYING IN GREAT PROGRAMS. TELL DUFFY THE MCDONOUGH'S SAY HELLO!!!

COVINA MOM

Mrs. McDonough,

We still have pictures of my son Matthew Corona(DAMIEN), Matthew Rubalcava(BISHOP AMAT), Shea Reshes, Daniel Garza (DON LUGO), ect when they played football at Andrew's during their "recess" FOOTBALL league.(49ers vs. Dolphins in the Chamionship game)Mike was amazing even then. Where have the years gone? And those Whittier Andrews kids are now scattered all over the SGV.

I talked with Coach Duffy( his son's Patrick and Shaun are at Damien as well) from his Pop Warner days and when I mentioned that I'd seen Mike in person he smiled from ear to ear. I told him Mike was incredible! And Mrs. McD you're right..from the smile on Coach Duffy's face I know Mike brought back fond memories. When I think about Mike I too will remember him as a warrior and that little kid that never let size matter.

I have been involved in football for 30+ years and Mike is as tough an athlete as I have ever seen play the game. His "performance", and that's what they were "performances", against San Dimas with fever and vomiting ALL NIGHT was remarkable and legendary to witness. Mike is a difference maker and has a rare combination of toughness, leadership, talent and instincts that football coaches dream about.

I wish I had seen him in last year's Semi-Final. I don't know where Mike will play next year but he's the kind of player someone will take a chance on. You should be proud that people will never forget your son's team efforts and gritty performances. Yes he brought a lot of joy to the Covina fans and to "true" football lovers who took the time to see him play.

It takes a strong woman to hold her tongue when people attack but that's a credit to you and your love for Mike and his brothers and sisters. Best wishes to you and all your kids and may God continue to bless you.

MICHAEL MC DONOUGH FOR SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MVP

DAMIEN DAD:

I THANK YOU FOR ALL THE KIND WORDS YOU HAVE SAID ABOUT MY SON MICHAEL. SINCE HE WAS SIX YEARS OLD HE WAS AMAZING AT FOOTBALL. NO ONE ELSE HAS WITTNESSED THE YEARS OF COACHES AND PLAYERS APPROACHING MY SON IN AWE SOMETIMES. BUT THE REAL REWARD IS SEEING HOW MUCH JOY HE HAS BROUGHT TO REAL FOOTBALL FANS WHEN THEY HAVE SEEN HIM PLAY. PEOPLE COME UP TO HIM AND THANK HIM FOR THE MEMORIES OF WATCHING HIM PLAY. I AM GRATEFUL THAT HE HAS MADE THAT HEARTWARMING IMPRESSION ON THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TRULY SEEN HIM PLAY. ALL THE OTHERS WHO MAKE THEIR MEAN COMMENTS I KNOW IN MY HEART HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM PLAY. THEY HAVE NO CLUE, AND THAT IS WHY I NEVER REALLY RESPOND TO THEIR COMMENTS. WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT ARE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN HIM AND THEIR OPIONION, AND I HAVE TO BE HONEST, I HAVE TRULY NEVER HEARD 1 NEGATIVE COMMENT FROM ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN HIM PLAY.
I THINK I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW HIM, AND BEFORE YOU SAW HIM ON THIS BLOG. I JUST WANT TO TRULY THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR THE SUPPORT AND KINDNESS THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN MY SON. NOT ONLY IS HE A WARRIOR ON THE FIELD, BUT HE IS A WARRIOR HELPING HIS SINGLE MOTHER RAISE 4 BROTHERS AND SISTERS. HE IS MY HERO!!!!

THANK YOU AGAIN, I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED ALL YOUR COMMENTS!
COVINA MOM (MCD'S)

P.S. YES MIKEY WENT TO ANDREWS ELEMENTARY FOR 1 YEAR, YOUR SON IS RIGHT!!!!!

DAMIEN DAD:

I THANK YOU FOR ALL THE KIND WORDS YOU HAVE SAID ABOUT MY SON MICHAEL. SINCE HE WAS SIX YEARS OLD HE WAS AMAZING AT FOOTBALL. NO ONE ELSE HAS WITTNESSED THE YEARS OF COACHES AND PLAYERS APPROACHING MY SON IN AWE SOMETIMES. BUT THE REAL REWARD IS SEEING HOW MUCH JOY HE HAS BROUGHT TO REAL FOOTBALL FANS WHEN THEY HAVE SEEN HIM PLAY. PEOPLE COME UP TO HIM AND THANK HIM FOR THE MEMORIES OF WATCHING HIM PLAY. I AM GRATEFUL THAT HE HAS MADE THAT HEARTWARMING IMPRESSION ON THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TRULY SEEN HIM PLAY. ALL THE OTHERS WHO MAKE THEIR MEAN COMMENTS I KNOW IN MY HEART HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM PLAY. THEY HAVE NO CLUE, AND THAT IS WHY I NEVER REALLY RESPOND TO THEIR COMMENTS. WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT ARE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN HIM AND THEIR OPIONION, AND I HAVE TO BE HONEST, I HAVE TRULY NEVER HEARD 1 NEGATIVE COMMENT FROM ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN HIM PLAY.
I THINK I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW HIM, AND BEFORE YOU SAW HIM ON THIS BLOG. I JUST WANT TO TRULY THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR THE SUPPORT AND KINDNESS THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN MY SON. NOT ONLY IS HE A WARRIOR ON THE FIELD, BUT HE IS A WARRIOR HELPING HIS SINGLE MOTHER RAISE 4 BROTHERS AND SISTERS. HE IS MY HERO!!!!

THANK YOU AGAIN, I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED ALL YOUR COMMENTS!
COVINA MOM (MCD'S)

P.S. YES MIKEY WENT TO ANDREWS ELEMENTARY FOR 1 YEAR, YOUR SON IS RIGHT!!!!!

JM- (Covina Mom - McD mom)

Did your son go to Andrews Elementary in North Whittier? My son said he reminded him of a kid named "Michael" when he went there.

By the way, your son is obviously one heck of an athlete , leader and football player. He has the heart of a warrior. It was an honor to see him play twice. (vs. San Dimas and Oak Park) It must have been very difficult to read all those comments earlier in the season. But at least I can tell you I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for your son's football career. He was very special and anyone who did not see him play missed out. Best wishes to your family and your son. He will always be a Champion in my eyes. You must be very proud.

Betty B:

Isn't it interesting???? Now maybe you can sympathize with the comments by your charter oak supporters who say Covina and there players are nothing. Welcome to our world!!! It does not feel good when in fact we know in our hearts that both teams are the only ones left standing in the end. We should be proud that the city of covina itself had 4 teams in the playoffs and 2 in semis, and one in the finals. We need to stop these put downs and give each other the support and props these teams both deserve.

Covina Mom (McD's)

Good Athletes- great post.

I agree with the catergories. Now THAT was fresh...lol.

How about Lineman of the Year?

Interesting how some will say Charter Oak is nothing but dang if more then a few of those same know the names of our Alumni and where they headed off to college.

What Gives!

You do your defensive list! I'll post mine in the next couple of days.

You may have known everything I said, but NOBODY posted more athletes than I did. Eveyone just wanted to focus on their selection and didn't give credit to more players out there.

I really think Aram should expand his overall awards to:

1. MVP-Overall
2. QB MVP
4, Rookie of the Year
3. Offensive player of the Year
4. Defensive player of the year
5. Team of the Year
6. Most improved Team of Year

And then all area selections!

our vote is for #12

He was the MVP on last nights game against Oak Park. He is just as good as #4. they make a great team

Hey Good Athletes

Where's all the great defensive "Stars" for MVP? or just great Athletes in general from the defensive side of the ball?

You started out real strong..."Now I am going to give you some info to think about.." wow! Sorry we already knew everything you said!

Ross , Johnson, McD and others play both ways and that's what separates them from the Damien MVP candidates (Mendrun and Travis)No slight against either both are great, great players! The others are doing twice the work at a high level and should be acknowledged for doing so.

Travis E. plays BOTH ways and he gives McD a run for his money for the POY award. He plays both ways and he gets the DIV I looks that shorter MVP candidates(Ross and McD) won't. Travis is 6'2 190 and has great hands, is a ball hawk, a nasty hitter and makes plays (3 yr.starter). And like all of Morrison's players they're better when they leave and get solid coaching and blow up. Still shaking my head why Travis wasn't used both ways!

Let's here from players, parents, coaches, fans who the Defensive MVP is in SGV.

Maybe it's ....

Okay Sports fan… Now I am going to give you some info to think about!

First of all, there are many athletes in this valley that could be awarded the MVP.

Secondly, whoever the award goes too will deserve it, no matter what team they played for, what league they were in, or how far they went in the playoffs.

I truly agree with the statement from “Aram Awards What Standards� because Post Season is not a factor in MVP awards and I have read a lot of posts that are referencing 11, 12 game stats.

I bet the winner will have led his team to a first, second or third place finish in league and into the playoffs.

So, let’s look at some athletes! I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all the athletes in the SGV Valley. This year was an exciting season which provided some great football memories for everyone that loves football! Without the support from their team, none of these guys would have had the season they did!

RB’S- All these guys were the heart and soul of their respective programs and helped thier team into the playoffs!

Nico Barbone- “Rookie of the Year Award�
Jordan Edmond – Major force for Glendora
Chris Harris – Led area in rushing and still in playoffs
Aaron Harris – On his way to D1. Where would BP be without this guy?
Ira Thomas- Great warrior for LA

QB’S – Wow, what a group of leaders here! There teams go nowhere without them! This is my BIG 5!

Matt Castaneda- Small but just gets it done
Austin Goldsmith- Stats just kept going
Nick Lamaison- Impressive Stats and lifted his team up during the bad start.
Mike Mcd – Goes hard on every play and another great year!
Mark Mendrun – Cool customer- just got it done!

Receivers – This group made some incredible catches throughout the season and made the QB’s look very good!

Travis Eschardies – Exciting athlete and great combination- Mendrun to Eschardies
Rex Foss- Just a good football player! Goes both ways.
Jamal James – This kid really steps out for MCD
Michael Johnson- Great player both ways

MVP criteria not bad observation add 109 more yards receiving and at least 10 -12 tackles after semis to Foss from los Altos Aram hope that all things considered and your fairest judgment will be the correct one. Foss was a very Key factor at LA on both sides of the ball
and I want to say one more thing LA great game last night every one of you played with heart and every one of you hold your heads high. this season was one of overcoming proud of you all and talent showed last night.

yo i love cheese

why are those guys saying hi they are foolish

hi guys

hey

One point concerning Player of the Year nominations.

I always gave the MVP to the player that held the team together during tough times. They usually make game winning plays. They don't always score the most TDs or get the most attention but they consistently make the plays that determine the outcome of a game. Remember even a losing team can have an MVP.

Sometimes parents or Principals would ask me why the "star" player wasn't given the MVP and I'd ask them three questions.

1) Was he the leader of the team during tough times?
2) Did the team turn to him during crisis? And how did that player respond.
3) Which player could the team not afford to lose? In other words could we be as successful without "him"?

The last one always ended it. So who's the MVP now?

My list.

1) Covina Mike McD- Last year's POY only double and tripled his stats! Team rides McD like Secretariat! Down the stretch!!!!

2) Damien's Mark Mendrun- without Mendrun Damien wins 4 games -- Riverside Poly, Claremont, Ayala and Diamond Bar! And Morrison finishes his tenure at Damien 20-22 and unempolyed instead of 25-19 and building a dynasty. Wait THAT can't be right! Let's see carry the two...NO it's right, 25-19 ouch!

3) Los Altos Rex Foss-lead his team in tackles 80 plus, all purpose yards, INTs (tied), punt returns,Kick off returns,receiving. That's getting it done on BOTH sides of the ball!

MVP Honorable mentions:

*Los Altos-Matt Castaneda- Little Big Man gets my respect for fast start and strong finish.
*Charter Oak-Michael Johnson-plays both sides of the ball, 'nuff said.

Co-Players of The Year the "M&M Boys"

Mike Mc Donough & Mark Mendrun, without them neither team makes the playoffs.

What at November 30

Read the post from Go Bonita and Stats don’t lie. JJ was not bashed but your QB and coach was. Any coach who doesn't know the talent of a JJ and has a QB that doesn't perform, needs to step away and let an experienced guy come in and take over.

Can you image the receiving yards with someone who could throw? Your QB deserves everything he gets after the crap he pulled last year, quitting and trying to come over to Bonita.

Now, who was the force that put SD into the playoffs this year? It sure wasn't your QB or Coach!

You guys should be very grateful you have an athlete like JJ, but more so in a young stud like Nico Barbone. Wow, can even image what our QB Jeff Chaves would have done with these two guys!

Now, go cry me a river, because nobody really cares about the excuses for your coach or QB

Go Bonita and Stats don't lie, I don't know why you need to bash Jon Joe or SD, he is a great athlete and class act as mentioned before. Before two years ago he was only a basketball player, now he has the potential to play football on Saturdays. I think that is a great accomplishment for not really playing before. I'm sure you two probably had pads on since you were 5 years old and didn't amount to anything. Go Bonita, thanks for the nomination for the San Dimas QB and Coach, since they did make it to the playoffs this year. Say all you want about the smudgepot and your league, but the bottom line is you guys couldn't take care of business when you needed to. By the way, I heard Bonita had to pay to fix Pomona District Field because you guys flooded it with all your tears. Boo Hoo!!!!

San D fan, nice write up about jj, but if you saw any of those drops you know the ball was not well thrown and into double coverage. Catchable yes, but thats where his experience hurt him, with time he'll be great on Saturday's.

Actually thinking of everything going on...all these offensive players wouldn't do anything..ANYTHING..without their lineman. how about the linemen get a share of the glory once :). Give some big tackle the recognition of his career? haha

TWO WAY PLAYER Thanks fact r facts,

One thing b4 tomorrow night and Satuday it doesnt matter about who is better than who right now. What matters is that SGV handles there business tomrrow night and Saturday. This is what all teams play for every year. This is a shout out to all SGV teams. If your team isn't playing then get out and support the ones that are.Last quote NO INJURIES

One final point to the "don't play anyone" bloggers.

Tyson, Duran, Mayweather, Morales, Lewis, Louis, Marciano, Armstrong, Robinson, De La Hoya.

All great Champions at their respective weights.

Los Altos, South Hills, Bishop Amat, Charter Oak.

All great Champions at their respective weights.

Notice the "RESPECT" in respective.

Tom

my point about "Rocky" was Covina vs. Oaks Christian. As in No Vegas Line $$$ underdog vs. Apollo Creed. Not some glorification of Covina or some spirit cleansing annointing of Mc D. Neither need those procedures.

This MVP thread has turned into character assaults, league belittlements, fear baiting and player elinimations based on some moral system that baffles the mind. These are high school students not wards of the state!

Get a grip guys.

Hard to argue that McD from Covina isn't a worthy candidate for back to back mvp honors, but I'm starting to throw my lungs up (a hero type description made by another blogger) when he's being brought up like he's Kirk Gibson (hitting a world series homer on one leg) or Roy Hobbs (The Natural- Playing with a bullet in his ribs)...Feel good stories or heroesque descriptions don't get used for people that have done some of these things...If Aram doesn't or can't write about those things, just report or blog about the accomplishments and there are many, but let's not paint a "Rocky" character of him either.

hey was Micheal Johnson kicked out of a game this year? if so, by some of you peoples standards of who should be POY, should he not be disqualified for the award?

Please dont sit hear on your high horse and condem people for mistakes they have made....since all sports are filled with heros that have questionable character....just look at these names, Ty Cobb, Pete Rose, O.J., Mike Tyson, A.I...and the list goes on....

And i am not saying Micheal Johnson is of questionable character...I dont know him and have never met him...all i am saying is that some of you have said that if a player has been disciplined for actions on or off the field that the player in question should not be abel to win the award.

"Those that live in glass houses, should not throw stones"

So yes Jason David is in the pros..God Bless him...but where is Steve Steveson, David Boller, Perry (Qb)..all these guys had D-1 rides and none could cut it...As a alumni of a big time school (dont want to state the schools name) and someone who still has many ties to that schools football program I just want to say this...It is not only one big time program that thinks kids from CO tend to be soft when they get to D-1 schools, just the facts....Secondly I hear alot of "why dont schools like covina, san dimas, northveiw and south hills play CO every year" or you hear "covina, northview and south hills dropped CO and are scared to play them" to that i answer I did not see CO fighting to keep Amat on there schedule...

So yes Jason David is in the pros..God Bless him...but where is Steve Steveson, David Boller, Perry (Qb)..all these guys had D-1 rides and none could cut it...As a alumni of a big time school (dont want to state the schools name) and someone who still has many ties to that schools football program I just want to say this...It is not only one big time program that thinks kids from CO tend to be soft when they get to D-1 schools, just the facts....Secondly I hear alot of "why dont schools like covina, san dimas, northveiw and south hills play CO every year" or you hear "covina, northview and south hills dropped CO and are scared to play them" to that i answer I did not see CO fighting to keep Amat on their schedule...

So yes Jason David is in the pros..God Bless him...but where is Steve Steveson, David Boller, Perry (Qb)..all these guys had D-1 rides and none could cut it...As a alumni of a big time school (dont want to state the schools name) and someone who still has many ties to that schools football program I just want to say this...It is not only one big time program that thinks kids from CO tend to be soft when they get to D-1 schools, just the facts....Secondly I hear alot of "why dont schools like covina, san dimas, northveiw and south hills play CO every year" or you hear "covina, northview and south hills dropped CO and are scared to play them" to that i answer I did not see CO fighting to keep Amat on their schedule...

"get a clue" You might wanna take a look in the mirror and excercise your own screen name, and trying getting ONE....i wasnt implying that CO made them soft, merely stating what a gentleman said far below my post. Sheesh, so fast to jump the gun. I actually had the chance to meet Jason David once in the PHX airport and there cannot be a more good natured, well mannered millionaire in the world. This is an athlete/man i would love to have my own sons grow up to be like.
you caught up yet?

ya charter oak makes them soft...just ask 5-8 170 lb jason david who plays corner for the indy colts...i gaurentee that guys tougher then your whole family anti-17...and i guess u havent seen aj pasalo hit anyone this year either...its cool to hate charter oak dude, but dont start dumb rumors like that just cuz a few kids fell threw the cracks...ask any coach in the valley about charter oak..first thing youll hear is the word PHYSICAL

Will harris actually redshirted due to an injury. Theres talk about him possibly starting next year.

Will harris actually redshirted due to an injury. Theres talk about him possibly starting next year.

Boler missed all of last year due to injury and did not play this year for Delaware.

http://www.udel.edu/sportsinfo/football/fb05-bolerinjury.html

Harris is still listed on the USC roster. Must only be used for the practice squad.

Ok, this may be a lil off the course, but CO fans, help me out, where are and what has happened to David Boler and Will Harris, i know both were named all valley after their respective high school careers ended. I hear Boler transferred out of USC and moved on to some small university back east where he won a lower division national championship. And Will Harris, i dont even see him ever suited up for the Trojans.
Is it possible that was is said below is true.."Charter Oak Makes them soft?"
say it aint so.....

mcd plays QB RB and MLB for covina... there is no doubt in my mind that he can start in at least one of those positions at any high school in the area. however having the whole team revolve around him means bad news for next year. i guaruntee there is no talent molding there as mcd continues to play every spot on the team...be glad u have him this year, cuz next year covina will be struggling in their league by the likes of northview, ganesha and SD

Just a little Football Humor:

A guy took his Blond girlfriend to her first football game. They
had great seats right behind their team's bench. After the game, he
asked her how she liked the experience.
"Oh, I really liked it," she replied, "especially the tight pants
and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they
were killing each other over 25 cents."
Dumbfounded, her date asked, "What do you mean?"
Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of
the game, all they kept screaming was: 'Get the quarterback! Get the
quarterback!' I'm like...Helloooooo? It's only 25 cents!!!!

lafan-

Outstanding point. Going both ways really helps ANY player when it comes to MVP and separates them from the crowd. Especially when they excel at both. That hurts Travis' MVP chances. He should have played alot more on defense to help his MVP case and recruiting chances. He plays a great safety and at his size, speed, and explosiveness would have caused trouble at OLB. Mendrun makes up for his lack of playing with his leadership, character and will to win. But there again it's a crowded field. Did not know Rex Foss' numbers but they are impressive. 80 tackles!Maybe other bloggers could make their case as well as lafan. Great job!

Good luck on Friday.

San d fan?

I really don't understand how anyone was putting JJ down when he's a class act. You must not know him at all. As far as giving his # and catches that was to illustrate his TD to catches ratio. As far as the QB, never was an issue. I was just saying how great JJ is a WR, player and person. As far as mentioning the other "passing" teams it was not a put down but to acknowledege that SD was a running team with the great Soph Barbone and JJ would flourish on a Pass oriented team.

Also there has been a lot of talk about recruiting and I'm sure many schools tried to whisper that they would be glad to take him for BB or Football and to his credit he loves San Dimas. BB back so watch him shine this year!

So Relax.

SD Fan

Since this is the Player of the Year blog, let's nominate your Qb and lame a-- coach!

LOL all the way out of town!

S D Fan

Cry me a river! Here the numbers for you to chew on!

Comp% .500
Qb rating 84
INT 6
TD 11
Y/G 82.7

Who fault is it that he only played two years!

We all know that story!

Just an observation:

To bad you need to bang on the san dimas qb for not getting JJ the ball. JJ had several opprotunities to get more yards, catches, and Tds.
Lets not forget the drop balls:
1) Galdstone: 2 drops for tds, both 2nd Quarter.
2) south el mo: 1 ball taken away in ez, result int.
2 additional drops during game.
3) Carter: Td dropped at beginning of 3rd Q.
4) Northview 3 dropped passes.
5) ganesha 2 drops passes, 1 for td.
6. Shall I continue?......
The Bottom line is these are good kids playing thier hearts out. This was only jj's and barret's 2nd year playing football. Give them a break, and realized San Dimas had a nice season and will continue to improve every year. Remember, this has been a basketball school for a long time. FYI, it will be a football school very soon. Good kids coming up!

P.S. JJ and Corey hooked up for a 3 catches for 125yds and a 91 yard Td vs morro bay. The stats have not been updated for that game. JJ also scored a td in the 4th quarted from next years starting qb Mick Kalmar.
P.S.S. That give JJ 12 tds on the season!

33-13 is exceptional for me and/
atleast we beat glendora ooooooooooo

sorry i went there

Two more words.... Rex Foss 12games 1150 yards 4 picks 2 ran back over 80 tackles, punt return and one he.. of a candidate nothing else to compare

Jon Joe Fan

Too bad for Jon Joe, He is a good athlete, but if your team had a QB that could get the ball to him, he would have made a bigger impact.

Your coach needs to bear the blame for not making the ajustments with the QB or creating better routes.

D1B

I guess 69 yards against Glendora is exceptional! LOL

the bloddy nose good one

and when did glendora stop travis beside his jr yr

Mendrun MVP

If MCD was at Damien, then Damien would have had a more balanced attack. You guys were one dimensional with the passing game and your running game sucked.

MCd would rule in that league with that OL! Wow, just think what your running yards work be then!

Again, MCD is a more complete athlete on the football field!

Damien is still not nearly in the same class as Covina or Duarte. They are a private school with a much different population than those two.$$

"Apples & oranges"

Damien is not a "power house" team year after year as you said and should not be in the same leauge as Amat types. While Damien had an outstanding year, last year they were 4th in Sierra league behind Chino Hills, Chino and Glendora.

We have to stop comparing teams in this valley to one another. Damien is at another level than teams like Duarte and Covina. Damien should compete against teams like themselves, Amat and other valley powerhouses. Duarte and Covina do not have teams yearly like the other valley powerhouses and have great teams in cycles. They will need their mediocre schedule next year because they may just be average before they come back on the radar again in a couple of years. Quit comparing already, its about what player leads their team to a great season, no matter the level. Both Mark and McD have done that this year and will be considered, McD still get to keep going and from reading about his last game he had his best performance vs a 9-2 team?! 7tds!!!

Go Covina,

Ask yourself one question, did Mcd play"ANYBODY" this year??? NOPE!!!! He could not play those positions with Damiens schedule now could he!!!!!!!!! We can not give the MVP to the J.V. League!!!!!!

How sick are these numbers.

San Dimas Jon Joe

19 catches , 422 yards, 10 TDs. 20.2 yds/per plus he missed games and was stuck in that run oriented offense. How many TDs, Yards and awards would Jon Joe have @ Los Altos, Covina, Damien, Bishop Amat, SJB or Oaks Christian?

Amazing talent. Amazing individual. Can't wait to see him play basketball again.

Best ALL Around Athlete in the Valley.

Before anyone nominates a WR ask yourself how many game winning catches did they make in a year(Jerry Rice). Before you nominate a QB ask youself how many game winning TDs or drives did they engineer(Tom Brady). Before you nominate a defensive player(Reggie White), are there any, ask yourself what teams did they destroy ala Harwell, Cody ect. Aram is there a defensive player that fits that bill this year? Anyone?

MVPs have game and season defining plays and games. I see how Charter Oak, Damien, Los Altos and Covina feel that their players deserve that consideration. Add a strong measure of consistency and big game performances and that's the MVP, whoever it is.

Joe Amat- which is tougher running wild like Rutgers RB Ray Rice or Biose State Ian Johnson are doing or ND Brady Quinn's over rated season. Quinn never wins big games and is still in the running. Whereas the Rutgers RB (Rice) has carried that team from nothing to Top Ten right next to all those deep pond loaded Irish? That's like Bassett going to the State Finals in football on the shoulders of great coaching, great team chemistry and a Heismen quality RB. No give credit where credit is due. Best Player in the Country means just that.

This year that would be
1) QB from Ohio St. Troy Gwin
2) WR from Ohio St. Ted Ginn
3) RB from Rutgers Ray Rice
4) RB from Boise St. Ian Johnson

As I sit here watching DJ Hacket (San Dimas High School basketball POY) catch touchdown passes for the Seattle Seahawks it makes me think that the player with the most T.U.P (Tremendous Upside Potential) and the maybe the greatest chance to be successful at the next (or the next) level just might be John Joe from San Dimas High School. He is every bit the football player that each and every one of those that we are discusing.

But nobody is crying for him to get an award. Because performance is important and T E A m performance is crucial. Unfortunately for some, *performance at *the highest level possible* is also important. In the NCAA, Ian Johnson (Damien) at Boise St and Garret Wolfe at Northern Illinois are just not going to get the same run in the Heisman Trophy talk as Tom Brady at Notre Dame or Troy Smith at Ohio St.

So those players that are kicking butt in a lower division against inferior competition really can't complain all too much. That's just the way it is and if being a big fish in a small pond is not good enough they should think about jumping into the deep waters and really testing their talent. That doesn't make anyone any less of a player or competitor - it just is what it is.

D1b

I guess LA and Glendora didn't stop your boy Travis? LOL

All you Mendrun Fans

Ask yourself one real question:

Did Mark Mendrun play MLB, RB and QB?

Mendrun is NOT the athlete on a football field that MCD is.

d1b

Mendrun was cleared to play by the doctor.

Nothing serious!

You probably sit out with a bloody nose.

POST SEASON STATS DO NOT BELONG IN MVP AWARDS!

SOMEONE GIVE ME FACTS IN WHAT PRO SPORT ARE THEY INCLUDED IN THE MVP SELECTION

ANSWER: NONE

McD is a pretty good player with very good numbers.. but once again it cant be said enough, LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE!!
Mendrun is a very good player who has natural football smarts to win games and still good numbers despite their tough schedule: 2351 yards 21 TD 4 INT, 398 yards rushing 8 TD
I gaurantee any coach in the valley would take Mendrun over McD any game

coughing up blood isnt serious i guess wooooow |give me a break | your an idiot probably a ghs player were having a spraint ankle keeps you out for a week

how do u stop # 81 travis eschardies cause no one in the valley did
hes like 7/11 open 24/7

coughing up blood isnt serious i guess wooooow |give me a break | your an idiot probably a ghs player were having a spraint ankle keeps you out for a week

how do u stop # 81 travis eschardies cause no one in the valley did
hes like 7/11 open 24/7

Yes..you have to give Medrun and Eschardies their credit. Mendrun should be in the top 5 if not number one. the willingness he showed to play after getting hurt at Bosco is astounding. He would be Pac-10 material easy if he was 2 inches taller. his stats are pretty solid but most importantly he gets the job done.

Yes..you have to give Medrun and Eschardies their credit. Mendrun should be in the top 5 if not number one. the willingness he showed to play after getting hurt at Bosco is astounding. He would be Pac-10 material easy if he was 2 inches taller.

Here's a question how come people are talking the 2nd best reciever in the valley in michaal johnson. What about the top WR in the valley my boy TRAV, Travis Eshardies. This kid has hands,speed and burst and this kid steps up in the biggest games like 107 yds vs charter choke, and 169 yds in the sierra league chmapionship game. He has 1115 rec yds and 8 tds, Right there is player of the year numbers!!!1

"john"
have you seen mark play? its not all stats, it is the ability to win games, and field presence, both of which mark has, you can ask any NFL quarterback and they will tell you to hell with their stats, its about winning football games for their teams.

Aram, Mike D has been playing this way all season. No doubt who the player of the SGV should be. His numbers are evrn better than last year. The Colts MVP also!
Mike McDonough's seven touchdowns and 469 total yards of offense helped the Covina High School beat St Joseph.
McDonough finished 20-of-31 passing for 338 yards and four touchdowns. He also carried 25 times for 131 yards and three more touchdowns.

MIke D won last year and did this for an encore:

Tripled his rushing yards
Almost doubled his passing yards.
Back to back semi appearances

2006
Passing 2329 yds, 28 TD 8 INT
Rushing 1168 yds 25 TD
63% completion rate
124 QB rating
44 solo tackles
1.5 sacks

Aram it is baffling that ANYONE would argue with Mike as the MVP of SGV. Most haven't seen him play, their lost, or have and still make excuses. Heard he doesn't throw well, doesn't have a good arm, won't go anywhere, doesn't play anyone,and the personal nonsense. Yet his team wins, he produces big numbers at 3 positions, and is the undisputed leader of a team that is in consecutive semis. What gives?

As far as coaches holding grudges, well my business partner's daughter a few years back (7 I think)made ALL CIF in soccer and did not make all league 1st or 2nd team. Her team won the CIF title and was loaded with seniors. She set all sorts of records for shutouts as a freshmen. Broke goalie records in Orange County and still no league honors. We used to read about her in the Orange County Register. My office was in Cerritos at the time.

Aram-
I comletely agree with your don't like it, don't buy it statement. This bashing of Mike is deeply personal and lacks objectivity and common sense. As far as coaches picking ALL league honors just wait untill the season is over and I think your point will really be proven. Those all league honors are a joke. Maybe you can sit in one of those meetings and you'll see. Aram have you ever sat in one of those end of the season all league meetings? Would love to know.

McD no doubt about it but will he get overlooked due to his off the field problems he has had...hope this is not going to happen....leave it to just football play for a individual and Mike is the best in the SGV....hope it is not going to turn into a role model award....

Aram that is a scary thought you made about "if you don't like the way I pick the teams then don't buy the paper and get of this blog?" Everyone, including you has the right to free speech. I believe you newspaper people say that all the time. People have the right to disagree. For you to say that my way is the only way is rediculous!
Including coaches, tribune writers and other people that you trust is the better way. You should be able to tell which coaches are out for their own and who is not. I know many coaches and not all of them are selfish. Most coaches, teachers are in the business to better kids!
You would be surprised if you took the time to get to know the coaches you cover instead of just printing stories. It is a fine line you must walk but it can be done!
As I have said before, I love the attention you bring to the Valley sports scene. But, we all need to be open to opinions of others and at least listen when people that are in the know talk! Happy Holidays!

Mendrum, give me a break. I think Casteneda from LA has better stats, heck he out played Mendrum when they met.

Rex Foss is the most exciting player that I have seen in the valley. I seen Amat, Damien, St. Francis, Charter Oak, Rowland and many more but I have not seen a player do what he has done. Like I said before, if he was 6' or bigger he would be one of the top college recruits in the valley. This kid makes playes out of nothing and catches balles out of no where.

Aram, Serious consideration needs to be made on this player.

Damien Boy

Mendurn injury wasn't serious and no doctor would release him to play if it was.

A bruised body part!

Come on Dude!

Maxell

I agree with the post also.

The SGV TRIBUNE award needs to follow the standards of today world!

ARAM Awards-What Standards made a very awesome point about how awards are selected! That exactly why you have season and post season!

Why would the pro's do it that way, if it wasn't right???

Does it really matter who it is i mean what does the kid really get, wow his name in the paper my kid had a great year and i ask him what he thought about it and thats what he told me it doesn't really matter you don't get nothing.But i will say this i here alot about mcd and let me ask you wheres he going to college,any offers and what kind of grades does he get you know the stuff that matters,i mean i really don't know what he gets or is all about tackles and td.The kid that does win should be a all well rounded kid
thats a true mvp.

chris harris!!! this kid carries his team they have a good chance at a cif title because of what he does on the field.

aram who are you considering for all valley o-line..do you take prior seasons into account or overal off/def performance

I love how all the damien fans are going nuts over MM,and are fast to brush off mc-d. Comparing schedules is for fools. I think alot of you failed to see that last year. You cant deny the great things both have done but if you think MM at damien would be better than Mc-d at damien, well i'll let you all decide on that... There's 2 more games to go! Go root for your teams instead of trying to compare awards that are made till after the end of the post season.

I agree with "Aram Awards-What Standards?" i think you should pick a season MVP and then a playoff MVP it would make more sense.

2 Letters MM and 2 words is the player of the year= MARK MENDRUN. This kid overcame a serious injury to play the next week against a rival and win by 30. This kid is an amzing captain and leader, he doesnt talk trash hes a good kid in the classroom and field. Most people don't know this but he will play college football. He has all the qualities to be player of the year Character, Heart, Determination, Drive,Leadership and of course talent.

he plays for covina who glendora beat enough said

he plays for covina who glendora beat enough said

First...whatever coach would say that the Charter Oak coach makes his players "soft". Well..that man is a fool. If I was a coach right now, and seeing the level that those kids are playing at over at Charter Oak..I'd be proud to have each and every one of those kids under me. No if's, and's, or but's...

Second, I can see where the player receiving a top award could and should give credit to each and every member of his team for getting him/or her there. And I can see where each player on that team KNOWS that it was a team effort to get their player that award. But..in reality...those that look at that trophy and speak of it in the press and at gatherings are quick to forget the "OTHERS" that contributed. I can see an individual team voting amongst themselves to honor one of their own. I can't see anyone else doing such. I can see having an award for "SGV TEAM" of the year. I can see having a vote amongst all players and coaches bases on a select few put on the ballot for their stats. Then you are voted on by your peers. Too bad politics will always find a way into any voting though...

Maybe the only fair way IS to have an outside observer vote based on stats and accomplishments. I don't have the answer.

You got what hanging over your fireplace?

Your college coach that said, "Charter Oak makes their players soft" he obviously isn't at ASU, Oregon State, or USC because we have kids on scholarship at each (1 in NFL). I understand your bitter because I started talk about "others" for MVP. But for a Colt to imply that we are soft? For you to say any respectable coach knocks our program? Easy bitter man, you have a good team. You have a great QB. You are going to the finals. You don’t have to lower yourself to taking shots at our program. My only point was that there are two levels of competition in the SGV. MJ is performing at the higher level and should be in consideration. I never spoke ill of your program, only your schedule. I have tremendous respect for CTOWN football. You have reached the pinnacle of success at you level. Oak’s Christian should not be in your division. They just don’t fit. You should be the rightful champion. But you won’t. They are too loaded. If you upset them I will be on a campaign for your QB tomorrow. Best of luck to ya.

No doubt McD is good but he aint Mendrun!!!!! McD would not be that good playing Mendruns schedule. Both Damiens non league and Sierra league schedule are one of the toughest around McD could not do what he has against that schedule!!!!!!! NO DOUBT MENDRUN IS THE M.V.P.

With all of this talk about Player of the Year I remembered a quote from a Trib article on another POY a few years back. Different sport, but the concept is the same. Read this link for some perspective from both the player and coach.

http://lang.sgvtribune.com/socal/preps/articles/031902/tpoy.asp

It kind of supports what 74-Colt Alumni is really after. By honoring the best player on the best team that peforms in the biggest games, you really ARE rewarding the entire T E A M that achieves at the highest level.

Every member of that T E A M should know in their heart that they contributed to that award.

COP/COACH

Mark Mendrun- GIVE ME A BREAK

STATS ARE BELOW OTHER TOP QB'S IN THE VALLEY!

First off I think that Aram posting the criteria for voting for POY is a nice thing. More of a FYI than anything else and just something to think about.

Second I think that all of us talking about who should or should not be POY while these kids are out there playing their hearts and guts out is extremely disrespectful at this time. I think all of us as SGV parents and fans should be concentrating on supporting "ALL" of our area schools. By this going back and forth and only concentrating on these certain players we are totally ignoring those kids not on our short lists and are down in the trenches, busting their butts to make our short list players look good. We are doing a great disservice to those kids that are helping put a select few on a pedestal. Lets take away the other 10 kids on the field and see how much M&M or MJ or any other "star " can do on his own.

How about for the time being we just concentrate on supporting every one of those kids out there on the fields practicing and playing their hearts out, and right now show each and every one of them that they are ALL our players of the year?

Just a thought....

Cop/Coach

You bring up a great point for not alowing McD the MVP but I respectfully disagree. The measure of a man is not that he has fallen but that he has the will to stand up. Admit his mistakes and move forward. We all make mistakes.

Besides have you seen McD play? In terms of pure value to a team McD plays MLB, RB, QB at a high level. Again he's a production machine that has not been shut down by any coach in two years!Everyone else has. Isn't that a remarkable accomplishment, producing when the whole team is trying to stop you? He gets my vote.

Again, I want to urge all of you to hold back on giving the award away before all of the games have been played. These things have a way of working themselves out.

It can become quite obvious who it should be once all of the games have been played. All of the players in the running, and believe me, we will talk about several players at the office before deciding, have had fantastic seasons.

When I first started this beat, I used to have a pre-conceived notion of who it should be but then the season the entire season would play out and things would change.

I'd imagine the next two weeks will clear everything up.

And then we can also start talking about Coach of the Year.

Forget the Covina QB. He is very talented but anyone who gets suspended from a game should automatically be eliminated. When he did what he did, he did not have his team's best interest in mind.

Forget CO's Johnson. What a talent! I have seen him make some amazing plays. I have also seen him take many plays off.

Forget Glendora's Edmonds. When he's hot he is hot. When he is not...

All these players should be on the all Tribune team, but...

My pick is Damien's Mark Mendrun. He was injured during the Bosco game. He was willing his team to a win with his arm and his legs. There was an amazing Vince Young imitation taking place (as a USC fan, it pains me to say that)until the shot he took to the ribs diving for a first down. The kid was on the turf coughing up blood and was taken away by ambulance.

Flash forward to a couple weeks later. Mendrun is back and better than ever leading his team to a Sierra League championship. The Chino Hills game may have been the best high school game that I have ever seen. Without Mendrun, Damien is lucky to make the playoffs.

He can throw the deep ball and the short pass. He can throw on the run going either right or left. He can beat you with his legs but more importantly, he can beat you with his intelligence. If he was a few inches taller, the entire Pac-10 would be recruiting him.

This one's a no-brainer: Mark Mendrun, Quarterback, Damien High School

I beg to differ...i think anyone smart coach in that league would love to have McD on his team...MJ may have a solid college carrer or he may be like most other athletes that come out of CO..lets put it in the words of one college coach..."Charter Oak makes there players soft"

St. Joseph's was a pretty solid football team that Covina played last night and McDaddy had a carrer night with 7 td's. I do not think it matters who they have scheduled on their season that guy brings it and has for two years now. He may not be the best QB or best LB or RB but he is the valley's best player and shows it. MJ is by far the best WR in the area and a top DB, and probably has a better college career, but not a better HS career than McDaddy.

Fine give it to Mcdaddy based on his numbers. But, let's face it it's time for Covina to schedule somebody. Glendora is the only team you played preseason. Mcdady has those numbers because of the schedule they play. Don't get me wrong I saw him play vs. Glendora and San Dimas. He is a great player. He would not produce those numbers in the Miramonte or San Antonio. Play Damien, Los Altos, CO and the other football schools and if you have those numbers you will have a true MVP. Michael Johnson will continue on and have opportunities to achieve at the next level. Enjoy McD we all can watch Michael Saturdays on TV for years to come.

Aram I could not agree more. Seen McD play against San Dimas while he was barfing out his lungs and had a 100+ temp. and he was incredible.

I've seen very few players in 30 years that bring it as hard as Mike. When I asked some of the parents if he's this good all the time they told me "He's better! Mike's sick, see he's throw up right NOW!"

Mendrun, Thomas, Johnson, Edmonds and others are all very good and important to their teams but Mc D's the reigning Champ and you got to beat the Champ to be the Champ. Let everyone else enjoy their League or team MVP but Two Time Heavywieght Champ sounds about right.

If you get to see Covina play enjoy Ralph Diaz at DE and see a true baller. Good luck next Friday.

Right now in the valley there is McD and then everyone else...if you go on stats McD has put himself in the some elite company...go ahead and look it up...i believe there has been 3 50 touchdowns seasons in the past 25 years in this valley..oh and McD has two of them...peace

You got to gotts player of the year to my boy Mark Mendrun thiskid is the ultimate,leader and competetor. If u dont believe me think back to the chino hills game,this kid is awesome,give him the award he derserves it!

Aram:

You really need to examine your comments in #1 and #2 and need to learn what MVP AWARDS are all about".

It’s amazing the things you come up with sometimes!

Wow, the list below wasn’t considered for their performance DURING THE SEASON! If you need pictures - Go to MLB.COM

Justin Morneau had a breakout season with 34 homers and 130 RBIs.
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Ryan Howard blasted 58 homers and had 149 RBIs, both Major League bests.
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Johan Santana led in wins, strikeouts and ERA -- a pitching Triple Crown.
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Brandon Webb, the 2003 Rookie of the Year, won a league-high 16 games.
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Justin Verlander became the first starter to win the AL award since 1981.
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Hanley Ramirez was the first NL rookie ever with 110 runs and 50 steals.
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The Tigers improved 24 games and won the AL flag under Jim Leyland.
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Joe Girardi turned the very young Marlins into one of year's biggest surprises.
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Derek Jeter is the first member of the Yankees ever to win the award.
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Ryan Howard led MLB with 58 homers and 149 RBIs, while hitting .313.
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Instead of fading, Jim Thome swung away for AL comeback honors.
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Nomar took over first base and led LA to the playoffs. Quite a comeback.
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For the second time in as many years, Mariano Rivera was voted by fans as the Delivery Man of the Year, beating out nine other finalists including Trevor Hoffman and Francisco Rodriguez. Rivera helped the Yanks win their ninth straight AL East title by saving 34 games in 37 chances and finished the year with a 1.80 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 75 innings.
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Prior to World Series Game 3, the Mets' Carlos Delgado was awarded the 2006 Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to he who best demonstrates the values Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and his understanding the value of helping others. Delgado is the third Met to receive the honor (G. Carter, 1989; A. Leiter, 2001), and it's his second nomination (2003).