First) to the whole san gabriel valley

we own you and you'll always be second against orange county.

just focus on your crime rate.

second)
what are omar x and damien dad talking about this isn't a talk show lates

Well said Damien. My post had nothing to do with ego or aggression. The whole point is that the experience is what mattered. I heard coaches say that El Dorado was soft too. That's just rhetoric, but seriously, your kid is strong enough to handle that, and confident enough to chuckle and roll it off his back, then go prove otherwise. Had nothing to do with winning a football game. Had to do with football opening up a road that led to better man that he would have been otherwise I believe.

Here is the Hawk mantra that they players chanted before every game while marching through the banner. Not sure who started this, but I like it. Note that it's not about winning a football game or destroying someone on the field.

I am only one,
but I am someone.
I can't do all things
but I can do some things
And that what I can do,
I must do,
And by the grace of God,
I will do.
I believe, I believe, I believe

-Helen Keller

Omar X-

Our kids don't become men "because" they play football. They become men by dealing with adversity, learning from their mistakes and knowing how to accept themselves and dedicate themselves to an greater overall good bigger than themselves. Football is just an environment where these things take place but could be any environment. The class room, band, home, debate,your community... any environment.

Becoming a man is about growth, responsibility and maturity. It isn't about being macho, exteriorally tough,thugish or any such thing. As far as coaches saying SGV players are soft well that's just an ignorant coach who lacks respect for his players and himself. What happens when a "soft" team beats you? He have any answers for that?

I'm surprised you would take the time to make such a boorish statement after Wings came here and spoke so eloquently about his love for his son and the pride they shared. It was even more tactless to put that statement forward within the context of his daughter's recent tragedy and remarkable recovery. I appreciated Wings reassuring words and showed them to my son as an example of perserverance and the love of a father for his son. He was moved by the kind words of encouragement by the Dad and impressed by the efforts and tenacity of the son.

I remember when it was "soft" to hug or kiss your son in public.(Still kiss my 17 year old everytime I see him) I remember when it was "soft" to be in the delivery room.(4 times) "Soft" to take your newborns to their doctors appts.(countless) I remember when it was "soft" to drink water at practice. "Soft" if you respected your opponent instead of hated them. Things changed for the better. Maybe that's why I admire Wings sincerity and kind words...That's what being a man is all about. I don't see anything "soft" about loving your son and saying so publicly.

Maybe your Dad or Coach should have taught you that "Sports doesn't create character...it reveals it!" Good luck figuring things out.

I once had a JV coach who told the team that Catholic school players were notoriously "soft"..he lost the respect of the team immediately. He called us "Alter Boys" everytime he thought we were not living up to his standard of toughness. My senior year Salesian played Roosevelt High school. Public vs. Private! Barrio "tough" vs. Barrio "soft" so to speak. They eggs our team as well came out of the tunnel before the game and at halftime. We used the "Altar Boys" tag as our rallying cry! We beat them 12-6 at East Los Angeles College in front of 10,000 fans! Yes Roosevelt and Garfield annually put up 20,000 plus! We shouted "Altar Boys" all the way back on the bus. Coach Ruedaflores (Alhambra recently retired)was our coach. I will never forget the look on that JV coach's face. He never apologized for his comments to the team but we knew we proved our point on the field.

I hope you I answered your question respectfully and honestly. It wasn't a simple question and I doubt you have a simple mind.

a simple question from a simple mind-

If playing football has made your sons men, then how will your sons peers ever become men?with this said hopefully some of you have an insight as in to why some coaches say players in the sgv are soft? Or should i be more blunt and say nonadoptive? and before you come at me im not saying this as a bad thing

a simple question from a simple mind-

If playing football has made your sons men, then how will your sons peers ever become men?with this said hopefully some of you have an insight as in to why some coaches say players in the sgv are soft? Or should i be more blunt and say nonadoptive? and before you come at me im not saying this as a bad thing

DamienDad,

Your welcome. Thank you for making me reflect on that stuff a little deeper. I'd sure love to hear how your story pans out over the next few years. Glad I was able to help. My daughter is doing great. Incredible "No Fate" attitude. Thanks for the blessing too. Good Luck to you and your son.

-Wing

Congratulations to El Dorado on winning, they came into Citrus and played with that same intensity they had in the Los Altos game. (sick or not) That front four defensively was one of the best I have seen all season. CO nothing to be down about your team got there and being a runner up is not a bad acheivement....someone has to lose. CO has some good players coming back from what I could see in the program so next year could be another run at a title....Credit to J.Crespo in trying to run the ball with a bad ankle. As a Bishop Amat backer I was there to support the SGV and I was happy to see lots of schools there with their colors in support of the lone standing team from SGV. McD from Covina was there as well......to all the blog writers it has been fun hearing all the takes between us all with all the knowledge of HS football past and present being worded back and forth....this blog was a addiction at times. Thanks Aram Tolegian for this season you totally brought your "A" game....Hope to be here next football season with the rest of you..Any Early Top Ten picks going into next year.?....

De la Salle 52 Canyon 14

Orange Lutheran 28 Palo Alto 20

Oaks Christan 42 Cardinal Newman 24

Wing~

Thank you.

I'll show your heart felt words to my son. Your children are clearly an inspiration to others that hard work and dedication pay off. I wish your daughter well. She must make you very proud as well. I can not even imagine the horror that you have endured yet like your kids you've been an inspiration to me and my son, and I think to countless Dads and sons that read your moving words.

I really liked your earlier request from other players that played against your son. That really moved me. To hear a Dad ask for comments from other players congratulating each other and acknowledging their mutual respect for each others efforts was a request of the heart. I wish more players took the time to share their thoughts. I know a lot of coaches frown on blogging but the season is over and hearing from your peers in a positive sportmanlike manner would do wonders.

How about that Aram....a "players only" thread where players can come in and "give props" to their toughest competitor. Or "acknowledge" a team mate that was an inspiration because of their hard work and dedication. THAT would be a great way to end the season...don't you agree? Might give the Dad's something to think about during the off season.

Once again 'WINGS"...Thank you. You're a class act. And thank your son for me as well. Hope your daughter's feeling better and enjoying college. And may God continue to bless you and your family.

CHARTER OAK LET ALL OF US DOWN.

LATES

Greetings!

I am Mike the Clone and you are Not!

With that said:

Charter Oak you guys had a great run and again here is another situation where you kids have nothing to be ashamed about. The quote that coach gave Aram after the game say’s it all about what happened. Just read what he said:

"Every time we got close, we couldn't finish," Farrar said. "I thought we had enough defense to keep us in the ballgame. All we really needed was a break. Some nights, you don't get the breaks.

"They (El Dorado) were the better team on the field tonight. They deserve everything. They made all the big plays."

That is a true veteran coach who knows how to deal with a loss with class.

Coach Lou Farrar you are the true champion through all of this. Your old school and there are not too many like you around anymore. You don’t wear a hat backwards; roam the sidelines in shorts for a Friday night game. For you it’s all business. You lead by example; you’re a leader not a follower.

I watched the interview you did after my “bagpipers� beat you and I watched the interview you gave before the playoff luncheon and after your loss to El Dorado and I was just thinking to myself just how fortunate the kids at Charter Oak are lucky to have a head coach like you.

Thanks Coach for a great year and the class you show.. you’re a true leader!

Well guys and gals the prep season of football is over and it was a successful year for the San Gabriel Valley for the most part, although it was frustrating for this “bagpiper� honk.
For a lot of these kids they won’t play football ever again. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to play at the next level, Division 1 football. So the lessons they have learned from the game will be one’s they carry with them forever.

To all my “blog� buddies Bluorca, 76Colt, Jeffrulerson, MATMTWTBAG, Big Daddy, The “original� Bleedsblungold, Plaidman, Buck, Damien Dad and the few of you that I’m missing it has been a blast talking about the game I love and the game obviously you guys love too. High school football is a formative time of these young men’s lives and no matter how much we all have disagreed or agreed the one thing I think we all have in common and that we all care passionately about each others respective programs and the direction that program is going.

“Coach P Shottenheimer� if Marty Shottenheimer and the Chargers win the Super Bowl the bar gets raised……just joking!!!!!

Above all thanks to Aram Tolegian a.k.a “The Big Guy�, or A.T., whatever you call Aram he and the suits at the Tribune gave us all a great forum to talk our smack or cry us a river. We all owe Aram big thanks for letting us rant sometimes to the point where we were a little incoherent at times. He has worked his ass off for us with the Trib’s coverage of football

A.T. speaking on behalf of all of us and I think I can on this one, Thanks for a great year of football coverage. Your hard work did not go unnoticed and we all appreciate it very much. We are truly spoiled with the coverage you gave us.

I still remember early in the year when you had that conversation with your sister about Amat being your team, that was a total crack up.

So in closing thanks you guys and gals it’s been fun And it's time for the Clone to hit the basement till next year. Hope you all have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year and above all thanks Aram again it’s been a blast!

For one last time!

I am out!

and

GOOD NIGHT NOW!

Mike the Clone

Damien Dad,

Where are Alex's cleats? You're making me reflect even more, Damien. Work your way down to the answer. I'm sorry about the long litany, folks. I figure there are more than one kid out there contemplating whether or not to continue. I hope this helps.

When I think of the road that led to the CIF Champ Ring for my son it completely blows my mind. Sometimes, as parents, we make decisions that we hope are the right ones. Sure is nice when a few of those questionable decisions prove to have been the right decisions five years later. The full story goes even deeper, but I'll give it a shot here.

I had coached Alex in soccer from age 8 until he wore me down and I let him play football in 8th grade for our local "Tri-City Steelers". Since I could never get him to do cardio for me, I figured he'd hate the hard work, up-downs and discipline of football practice. Wrong ! He loved it. Played pretty good for his first crack at it, and got some decent playing time.

Freshman year was another story. El Dorado doesn't cut Freshman, so there were something like 87 kids on the team. It really bothered me when I saw the same kids on both sides of the line game after game while most sat on the sideline watching all season. It took me a while to get through my head that 87 is a completely insane number of players to try to manage for the coaches, and I shouldn't blame them. The positive part was that they accepted everybody and could see who really loved the game and was willing to stick it out. All the kids had an equal chance to prove themselves at practice, but not games. Some worked hard, some didn't.

I knew that most of the parents felt the way I did about their kid not playing, which is exactly why I suggested he give it another shot. I figured more than half would probably drop off, giving Alex a better chance at playing. We decided together that if he received no playing time again his Sophomore year, then that would be it. He was concerned about the potential embarrassment of being a Junior having not made the Varsity team.

We also discussed the art of "asking" for help in areas he didn't fully understand. I told him that as a coach myself, I always appreciated a player coming up to me and asking for clarification or for extra help. Those kids always got an extra practice session or two out of me. Football coaches don't have a lot of time on the practice field, but are more than happy to talk to them privately after practice. As long as you work hard, coaches love to help.

Alex's improvement was steady and gradual over the whole 4 years. He wasn't a natural athlete, but he did have the passion and the smarts (lazy with his homework, but smart) to get it down. The respect he has from his teammates was also gradual. I only noticed that in his Junior year, when all of a sudden he looked like a team leader on the JV team, and made a good showing on Special Teams on the Varsity team. One coach in particular, Coach Acton, seemed to work extra with Alex, especially in his Junior year.

My message to him has always been the same.

1. Do the best you can
2. Play Hard
3. Above all, HAVE FUN
4. Respect your coaches

He learned about perseverance. He learned about leadership. He learned about surrounding himself with the right people, and he also made good friends that I know he'll have for the rest of his life.

I turned 50 last week between the Semi-Finals an Finals. This year was a trying year for me. Three separate automobile accidents in the family, one nearly taking my 19 year old daughter from me. She spent almost a month in ICU with a shattered pelvis and multiple other fractures. Her attitude blew me away. She was always appreciative of the people who love her, never complained, and worked extremely hard on her rehab. 6 months later she walked back into college with a cane, achieving her goal.

The rock through all this was my son. Somewhere in there my kids have let me know through action that I've done OK. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. A lot to be proud of. 50 is awesome.

"Where are his cleats?" Metaphorically speaking, his cleats will always be next to his helmet. My hopes are that he'll put his cleats and helmet back on when choosing a spouse, choosing his career, raising his kids, and being a community leader of some sort. Whether or not Alex's team made CIF, advanced in CIF, or won the title wouldn't matter. He became a man.

-Wing
tpphoto@aol.com

Wing~

When I played my last game I left my cleats on the field. Best decision I ever made. It was the end of the road for me. Seven knee ops(both ACLs) and two shoulder ops(Throwing shoulder)was enough! Plus at 32 all I did was rush the QB and never played offense anymore!

Still my son wanted to see me play again this year in the Damien Alumni Game but without cleats and 47 years old well...Hell! I still wanted to play. Especially after the year I had on this blog! If I lose 45 by next year I'll play again...at least enough to "put up or shut up" my new friends. Already lost 12. Talk about having to have my head on a swivel in that game, lol.

But at DE for 7 plays a half...I'm still game! Watch some kid knock the snot out of me! lol I know I did when the old farts came on the field to relive old glory and I was 24. Most of those Old Farts just laughed as they were carried off! Laughing that their wife was going to kill them! Out of respect I made them fly!!!Maybe someone can return the favor.

Every time I walk on the field now I always pick up some blades of grass and smell them and toss them into the air. Football is funny that way.

I'm glad your son stuck to it and gave it his all. Must be sweet to go out a Champion in the end. My son's at a similar "crossroads" with playing time and such. I wonder if there was a coach that always believed in your son or if it was just his desire and your support that kept him going. I'd be interested to know. I wonder if you'd share your views..it might help him out. I had great coaches and still love and respect them to this day. They taught me to love and respect the game of football.

One question...where are your son's cleats?

No publication date has been set, but it's usually around Christmas. I haven't set the team yet.

Hey Aram when is the All-Tribune team going to come out ... Im anxious to see this years top performers .... Hopefully the All-tribune team will come out soon! ... Thanks

Jeremy, check out the performance of El Dorados Freshman and JV teams over the last couple of years. You'll see why El Dorado is not a one hit wonder. Last season Eldo lost to Newport Harbor in overtime. NH went on to become CIF champs. El Dorado were Century League Champs then and now. Two years running, and still improving. No one hit wonder here. Too much depth in the farm system.

Jeremy said>

Hey Aram when is the All-Tribune team going to come out ... Im anxious to see this years top performers .... Hopefully the All-tribune team will come out soon! ... Thanks

Hey Aram when is the All-Tribune team going to come out ... Im anxious to see this years top performers .... Hopefully the All-tribune team will come out soon! ... Thanks

payforadspace,

Check the web site this guy isn't out for your money but actually to help these young men improve in all areas. Also it is very affordable for parents and it is not involved with any certain school. Contact him and then you decide.
Letting all ball players have a chance to improve there skills.at a not so ungodly cost check it out. website will speak for itself.

"covinahigh"

#1. 1982 Los Altos Conquerors CIF Div 1 Champs (beating Esperanza).

Mike Smith 6'10" QB throwing to:

6'5" Matt Stark (TE)
6'4" Darren Davis (WR)
6'0" Don White (WR)

Unstoppable all year: 14-0

hey Aram, Ive got a few questions for you:
So what do you think of the new playoff and division breakdown for the State Championships? I personally think its garbage. Orange Lutheran is arguablly the best team in southern California (to make their case they beat a very good Long Beach Poly team and played in most likely the hardest league in southern california, the Trinity league). Regardless of division, Orange Lutheran should get the chance to play Concord De La Salle as the top game and so forth..There is also Oaks Christian...I almost forgot. Even if they are the best team in the state, I would like to have seen them try and go through the entire trinity league or even a harder schedule before getting a shot at the big boys. Aram, give us your take on the new state championship system (AKA the BCS...what a crock) maybe this deserves a whole blog its up to you, but I would like your take on it.

hey AT, you know what will be intersting to see? the top ten historic football teams in the valley. i belive that will be great to see. not just this past seasons record but like all time, the best football program in the valley

No. Personally, I knew from the begining of the season that El Dorado is a "one-hit" wonder. They remind me of the 96-97 Wilson teams(back-to-back D-VII titles). Out of no where the stars aligned perfectly and at the right time. Where are they now? Still some good talent, but very unbalanced and terrible coaching. An average High school football program.

Thanks, Damien Dad. My son confirmed yesterday that he's officially retired. We'll always have the memories, and he's got some great stories to tell his grandkids someday. Had he quit after his Freshman season...POOF...an alternate set of memories.

FRESHMAN WHO DIDN'T PLAY...GIVE IT ONE MORE SHOT !

lets stop talking all the trash on charter oak and rather give them credit. they were the ONLY team in the SGV that made it to the finals, despite losing. you talk about Los Altos, well they lost in the semi-finals. wanna compare?? look at LA vs. SH, LA berely won by 1 point. and what did CO do to SH??? blew them out 35-0. i rest my case. CO is the better team then anyone in the valley for making it to the finals.

some of my thoughts and comments on some sgv teams.

West Covina(has probably the best skill players in the valley)

South Hills (great coach, young players, breakout year next season)

Rowland (can't choke in playoffs)

Covina (best record in the valley)

Los Altos (dramatic season)

Wilson (should of utilized Gilmore MORE at RB)

Charter Oak (great run in playoffs)

Damien (mendrun was great this season)

Bonita (shame to have a coin end your season)

Diamond Ranch (preseason schedule helped out alot)

Workman (dream season, the beginning of a new Lobo era)

Duarte (great skill players, horrible coach, take away their speed and workman wins montview league title)

La Puente (it was a waste getting that field for you guys, but workman represented it well)

Rosemead (what happened??)

South El Monte (sophmore qb stepping up, not bad, he had great numbers)

Glendora (gave some teams their first losses, not bad)

lets stop talking all the trash on charter oak and rather give them credit. they were the ONLY team in the SGV that made it to the finals, despite losing. you talk about Los Altos, well they lost in the semi-finals. wanna compare?? look at LA vs. SH, LA berely won by 1 point. and what did CO do to SH??? blew them out 35-0. i rest my case. CO is the better team then anyone in the valley for making it to the finals.

West Covina(has probably the best skill players in the valley)

South Hills (great coach, young players, breakout year next season)

Rowland (can't choke in playoffs)

Covina (best record in the valley)

Los Altos (dramatic season)

Wilson (should of utilized Gilmore MORE at RB)

Charter Oak (great run in playoffs)

Damien (mendrun was great this season)

Bonita (shame to end season by a coin)

Diamond Ranch (preseason schedule helped out alot)

Workman (dream season, the beginning of a new Lobo era)

Duarte (great skill players, horrible coach

I like the spring training thing but hey lets see who wins all league honors and then all valley and then lets all go to thier trainer, and by the way we need to find a way to get these kids to stop parting soo much and training more and then well have something.
Most decent high schools have thier own trainers anyway, herd of kids parents paying thousands for not even a varsity start. Hey by the way how did this guy increase 40 or verticle stats thats the key, hey ive got a book with lots of drills maybe i can train some players too, dont think so I dont have the stats to back it up. How is this guys resumae I mean how many kids he trains and where are they now last three years and so.

An honest football opinion~

Last night's game was Charter Oak's for the taking. El Dorado was clearly the better "team". They had size, speed, organization and conditioning. What they didn't have was "experience" and it showed. A lot of drop passes, silly mistakes and blow assignments. But still Charter Oak, when they see the film, will kick themselves because El Dorado did everything they could to NOT win that game and still WON.

El Dorado had huge conditioned linemen. Tall and lanky O Linemen that looked well coached and solid. They could have and should have dominated that game. Score should have and could have been 42-20.

Charter Oak has a ton of big game experience and a coaching staff that does not rattle easily and it showed as well. Coach Lou and "family" my hat goes off to you. You guys make the kids believe they are better than they are and that's what coaching is all about. Great season.

Charter Oak is kind of a wierd team to see because they are really two teams blended together. A very big solid Varsity team and a put together very small young undersized team. Somehow Lou makes it work. It's almost like seeing a team put together from "spare parts", the pieces don't match but somehow they work well together. Hope that doesn't offend anyone it's just size-wise and talent -wise the overall team isn't consistent.

If El Dorado is what Aram says a "once in a decade" team maybe that's why they looked uneven.I think El Dorado will be back next year and builds on this Chamionship run. Good to see SGV represent last night. Classy crowd on both sides of the fields and props to OC fans for coming in here and blogging with class.

Wings~ Your son should be very proud of you as you are clearly of your son. He played like a Champion last night. And if it IS his last game you both got to share a Championship together, Congratulations!

CHARTER OAK OR LOS ALTOS???

Statistically, Charter Oak performed better defensively againts El Dorado. CO allowed 285 total yards compared to 368 total yards allowed by Los Altos vs. El Dorado. This is an 83 yard difference or almost one football field length.

Offensively, the trophy goes to Los Altos for racking up 258 total yards compared to 194 for Charter Oak vs. El Dorado. However, if you take away that 77 yard run by Ira Thomas, Los Altos would only have 181 total yards.

Overall, I think that Charter Oak played better than Los Altos againts El Dorado. El Dorado should have scored more points than they did and the 14-7 score is deceiving. When an offense is able to rack up 368 yards againts your defense, that offense usually scores more than 14 or even 17 points.

Note: Charter Oak and Los Altos performed equally statistically when they played each other earlier this season with Charter Oak winning 13-10.

WHOSE THE BETTER TEAM?

This one is easy...it's

BISHOP AMAT!!! HAHAHAHAA!

No really...I would have to go with Charter Oak. They not only beat Los Altos head to head but they performed better againts El Dorado statistically.

CONGRATS TO ALL SGV TEAMS ON A GREAT SEASON!!!

Charter oak you were not the better team last night and thats why you lost,and aram quit trying to perdict whats going to happen in the future this team will have this and that and all that bs,every year is a new one and every team has a chance,just except a sgvteam didn't win and thats that,i get really tried of all that bullcrap and im not from the oc,also i really don't understand the guy you call the ultimate linebacker you know #32 he didn't do anything last night except look like he wanted to beat up the whole el do team lol and #7 that dude is a cry baby waving his arms all over the place,look co just except it you lost and thats that,el dorado was the better team.

all i got to say is that the whole game was on wat seniors wanted it the most and el dorados seniors wanted it the most. but watch out for c.o in the upcoming years they got alot of lower class men.

Sorry CO great game just reading a few of these comments be proud and be thankful for your season you guys really deserved and earned to be there last night you will all be in my prayers.

1 thing I would like to tell all people in the sgv perfectcatchfootball.com check it out and this guy trains on weekends speed and agility, combine and trains all year. Rex Foss been training with this guy since last January.
1250 yds receiving 4 picks some great punt returns and a heck of alot of tackles. this is great for all highschool kids next season starts now. Really good for kids going to college as well. Hope to see you all there. Guys name is Roger Huff. Perfectcatchfootball.com

At the game last night hats off to El do good game CO playrd a good game against a great team.
Honestly I really thought that eldo would blow you guys out. They must have been nervous dropping alot of passes. You guys played with heart. As far as Los Altos only there by coin flip come on they faced Rowland Blow out, Then Foothill Blow out and then Eldo which in my opinion was more of a championship game than last night, coin flip or not LA handled and will still handle.

As I said, Charter Oak gave us the biggest challenge of the season except Esperanza in game#1. You are better than Dana Hill, Tustin, Canyon, and a whole list of great teams.

Now that his football playing days are more than likely over, I get to pop off for a minute about my kid. I'd like to make it all about Hawks Alex Palmer #26. If any Charter Oak, Los Altos, or Diamond Ranch players have any recall or memory of #26, please email me at tpphoto@aol.com with whatever you can recall. Thanks.

Here's the thing that amazes me. In his Freshman year, he didn't play at all. Sat on the bench and probably played a total of 5 plays all season. His Sophomore year, he made first string on Special Teams, but still second string on the JV defense. His Junior year he showed himself as a top defender on the JV team, and was second string on Varsity (first string on Special Teams). Then this year, he was First string Linebacker and first string on ALL special teams. On top of that I saw him being a real team leader in many ways. The kid blew me away in his determination and hard work. He's a real success story. He continued to improve right through last nights game.

This year, El Dorado wound up with the #1 ranked defense in the county, and he was a big part of that. Capping off his Football career with a CIF Championship ring is truly amazing, and a great accomplishment. It is the first CIF championship ever for El Dorado, so the sense of pride and accomplishment is that much greater for him. The memories and friends he's built with this incredible team is more than fantastic. It's been perfect.

Charter Oak players: Thank you for the great season and for the four years I got to cheer for you from the stands. You have put Charter Oak on the map in the OC and they won't forget you.

Last night was great. What a turnout. I enjoyed seeing all the high schools represented in the stands. The air was filled with small town pride.

To all you people out there writing derogatory statements on here. Get over yourselves. You did not play last night. You were in the stands. These boys played with heart and soul. For you to come on here and spew your filth is disgusting.

Champion game dude: Saying "This is not to take anything away from their hard work" does not make what you say anything less then mean and spiteful crap. Adding a disclaimer before you tear into someone is a cheap way to try and justify your bitter resentment of your team not playing last night.

A faded star: Just in case you didn't know this, Los Altos lost last week. Los Altos lost to Charter Oak during league. Los Altos was only in the playoffs because they won a coin toss. Los Altos season ended last week and no matter what you say on here and no matter how much you hope and pray no one will be calling Los Altos the best team in the San Gabriel Valley this year. That title belongs to the boys from Charter Oak.

Charter Oak football team: I don't have a son but if I did I would wish he had the integrity and perserverance and the drive I saw in every one of you boys all season.
I am so proud of you all.

Betty B

What a season CO! Congrats for making it! I bleed blue and gold and will never root for another. It hurt to see you lose last night, it hurt to see the coaches and players hurt and the fans hurt just as much in some cases. But I will give it to El Dorado, you did what you had to to win the game. Your fans were out of control (in a good way), the players were excited all game and the coaches made some great calls! You acted like sportsman and then to read on this blog comments from your players and parents so positive, you are in a class of your own being from Orange County!

For you CO seniors, Emilio, AJ, MJ, "The Twins", Mitch, Peter, Kaynan, Nick, Jesse, Randy, Tony, and Travis: You accomplished a lot this season by getting to the "Big Show". You played more games this season than anyone else in the Valley. It hurts now but keep your heads high as you are a smart, classy group of kids with bright futures ahead of you! You belonged in that game and a few bounces the other way, we would be celebrating differently!

Big Lou, Dom, Roger, Steve, JP and Big Moose, thanks for the joy and fun you brought to the community by leading this team to the finals. You also are a classy group of guys who deserve all of the respect and accolades bestowed upon you! Time to start over and get to work on our next group of young men waiting for your leadership and guidance in football and life!

And last but not least, Aram, CO or no CO the prep coverage this season was outstanding. Now if you would just smile a little more and act like you enjoy it, we would all love you more!

Congrats once again to El Dorado and it sure would be fun to see you once again next year...... in the finals!

Went to the CO/EL DO game last night and, I must say, it just wasn't the skillful game I would expect between two champion teams. Hats off to both teams for getting to the big game though. CO looked very flat on offense, MJ barely got the ball at all (2 catches for 17 yards), certainly not a show stopper. Harrell #6 for CO was the ONLY star last night. This guy was awesome. El DO missed so many opportunities with missed catches especially #41.

I left the game thinking this was a pretty good JV game and nothing more. I wasn't very impressed last night by either team. EL Do certainly was more dominant. EL Do defense was strong. I feel the way these teams were playing last night, any one of many SGV teams could have beat both. Not exactly what I was expecting for this level of play!

TAKE NOTE PLAYERS: This is not to take away from your hard work to get to the big game. That certainly is an incredible task. However, I am being real here and I am certain many would agree.
Harrell #6, you will be extremely important next season for the Chargers. Keep up the good work. Congrats Chargers for getting to the BIG game.

the diff. between the LA ELDO and the CO ELDO games is CO actually had a chance to win! LA just kinda hung in there

dominant 2nd half CO

first of all, I want to say congrats.on making it to the finals,I was at the game last night wearing our covina colt colors cheering on your side, you guys played your hearts out,played tough and never gave up but fell short ,I know there won't be any excuses of why you did'nt win ,"most of your fans will do it for you". you played in a game that nobody else in the SGV got to play in last night, the stands were "PACKED", and not with just your parents ,but with football fans from all over the SGV. cheering you on for a victory.I feel your pain in the loss,and with time it will heal,keep your heads up, you had a great season,remember you played in a game that every football player in the stands wanted to be in.YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD!

Chargers,
Keep your heads up you are seriously a great team! I play middle linebacker and tightend for ELDO and i have never played a better team than you guys. Seniors i'm sorry it had to end with disappointment but know that you made it to the finals and nobody can take that away from you. Underclassmen i wish you luck next season. Congratulations and thank you for a great game!
-Fitz #36

Well?...I'm here...

Anyone else not think El Dorado had a bad game againts Los Altos?

CO did an amazing job nearly neutralizing El Dorado's offense. My kid plays linebacker for El Dorado.

What you guys didn't know was that three of our players, including Van Holland, Hilgenberg, and I think Cardenas all had the flu against Los Altos last week. They were barfing for about 24 hours before game time. Coulter sprained his knee at practice a few days before the Los Altos game also. He played through it, but his performance wasn't as good as usual.

While I wasn't saying anything, a big part of me was looking for that blowout, since I knew CO was looking big time at the films from Los Altos, and comparing to other teams it looked good for a rout.

El Dorado's defense should have freaked out your quarterback, but it didn't. The kid stayed focused and creative the whole game long. I was impressed with the ingenuity of the whole team.

Hats Off to CO for a great performance. Great team, great coaching.

What happened to Charter Oak tonight? They had so many chances. Especially when the CO defense was holding ED's running attack in the 3rd quarter.

Plus, They needed to start throwing more, rather than waiting until 3rd and 5 to start passing. I wish they did more reverses and trick plays and stuff like the play where they scored a touchdown. Oh well there's always next year.

Congratuations El Dorado.

L.A. lover you only made it to the playoffs by the luck of a coin, you got no where to talk!

Congrats to the C.O. boys - Great Season!

Beep Beep - Dan

Disappointing game! Although my son goes to Damien, I live in the CO district. Many of my son's friends played tonight. Some of these kids I have coached in the past.

Fans at the end of the game were screaming for a QB change. NONSENSE! Chris Allen was nervous and threw a couple of picks, but he made some great throws as well all while under tremendous pressure the entire game.

When he made quick throws (slants, bubble screens) he did great. When he had to take deep drops that's when trouble arrived. He did have a couple of nice scrambles, but was sacked too often and it killed drives.

Why was Michael Johnson used as a decoy? He could have beaten anyone on ED and was often covered one on one. I don't get it. His man usually played 10-12 yards off of him. It would have made sense to throw a quick out and let him try to beat his man down the sidelines.

On a side note, the SGV was out in force in support of CO. I saw varsity jackets from Bishop Amat, Damien, South Hills, Monrovia, Covina, West Covina, Gladstone, Bonita and San Dimas. Way to represent your schools and the Valley!

Congrats to El Dorado! They earned the victory.

Congrats to Charter Oak! We are all proud of you.

WOW!! Charter Oak jus could not hang with OC. Seems as if SOUTWEST DIVISION TITLE GAME was last week between LA vs El DORADO!! Charter Oak clearly obtained the weaker of the 2 brackets! Charter Oak would not have been able to get past Foothill let alone El Dorado. Through this rough post season, the MIRAMONTE league preavailed and proved to be the HEART and SOUL of the SGV!!

Thanks Charter Oaks for making this a great Championship game. You guys played your hearts out. Thanks SGV for being stand-up fans. The OC and Hawk fans salute you.