If it feels like you're being watched, it's because you are ...

dhsfan that's one of the reasons I change my name so often. It cuts down on the "cutdowns" like the job reference....typical DHS nonsense. I know it was a joke. Like most "clones" I work near or on a computer most of the time. As far as my son's edu. Older one is paid for by the University of Southern California. The other is paid by aluminum cans and soda bottle collection efforts and the occassional panhandling adventure.

Just came from the Damien Debate Banquet. If there are any parents that want to secure one of the finest opportunies to be coached by a legend try Damien Debate and Coach Chuck Ballingall and his assistants.

It was our last year (4) and every year the seniors, mine included, dazzle the crowd with their accomplishments and college acceptances. (CAL, CAL, USC, BROWN, UCSB, UCSC)

Next year's team is going to be dominant and the Freshmen team in on track to be "LEGENDARY"! One kid took AP exams and did not even take the classes in school. That's sick! Damien is a NATIONALLY ranked Debate team on the threshold of becoming a PREMIER National Debate "FARM".

Well it's time to maybe change my name again or give less clues. ( Although I must admit I seem smarter when no one knows who I am) Either way I love sports and will blog to my hearts content. Even if I get the occassional "stalker". Well I guess that's that.

Good luck to the Spartan football team. I'll try and not comment at all. Too many people looking to get pissed there...although I didn't hear too many...try ANY Damien parents defend the baseball coaches or tell that Damien Dad to STFU when he cut into Carroll. It must be a "Country Club" thing that I'm not a part of. As far as my younger son look in the Damien yearbook under Wrestling 189 lbs.( that's him getting his arm raised in Victory)and see what Football will miss. Well somethings just have a way of working out for the best. He'll be a beast at 171!

Well I'm off to see West Covina and South Hills sometime soon. They both seem interesting and loaded with talent and coaching ability.

DHSFAN...thanks for the compliment and information about my uncle and the "cover"...it is my most treasured possesion because he asked me to remember him in case something happened. I was 8 at the time but he trusted me. When he came back I tried to give it to him and he smiled and said, "I knew you'd keep it!"

Salesian's tough huh? lol

Match That! or should I say Mean Machine or should I say Frank C

Why don't you start using one name on this Blog. You have a lot of good smack. You have some good knowlage of the game as well. And it seems to me like most of Jim Romes old clones from years past you must not have a (job). How do you pay for your boy's Edu. I need to know so I can try it. Since I was in the USMC thank you and Mike the Clone for the respect and props to the vets over this past holiday. Thank You! I was out of town and had no chance to give prop's to all of Our vets on this blog.

Buy the way The USMC (Hat) that your Uncle gave you is called a Cover. He'll get a kick out of that. Please shake his hand for me the next time you see him. He must be a hell of a man. My hat is off to him.

Keep the smack coming.

Laid Laddy,

Wow.

Soccer 22-2-1 Outscored opponents 154-13!
14 shutouts!
The ALL CIF Goal Keeper is a Freshmen! So they'll be back next year again.
Against Fillmore, Azusa, La Canada, Marshall, Santa Paula, Carson. Yup they're little schools...yeah right!

Football 6 All CIF players.

Cross Country Ranked 10 in their Division with the likes of Crespi, Big Bear, Laguna Beach, Oaks Christian, Morro Bay, St. Joseph, Hard-Westlake. Yup small schools alright! Most of those schools are Running Powerhouses.

Volleyball again in a Championship Match against Volleyball Trees. So much for Boyle Heights coming up short.

Give them credit. They win and win and win against bigger schools, better financed schools and traditional powerhouse schools. Who in the SGV has those kind of credentials across their athletic program.....NOBODY!

I know this blog is about the SGV and all but give Salesian it's due. They compete a a high level and never complain about their numbers or lack of recognition. But Laid Laddy you probably already knew that.

By the way when was that glorious Glendora "run" I hear so much about? Other than Basketball with the great Le Duc what else have you done lately?

I'm all ears.

Re: Randy

Wow!!! spoken like a well educated champion.

"keep the brown brother down" ??

You're an idiot.

plaid lad, your comment---"Salesian is far cry from the competition of bigger student bodies" was a slight plain and simple, trying to keep the brown brother down, just 400 kids busting their collective asses to make good for themselves.....I read right through your BS....you sound like another Glendoran trying to cover his tracks after some stupid comment,.....no sh*t they'd have problems against higher div schools, but they kicked butt against their like opponents, made several runs at CIF championships and nailed the soccer crown along the way....simple congrats is enough bro.....and as for "acting like a champion"....this coming from a whiny glendora fan...puhhhhh-lease!!!!!!.......

Re: Randy

Hey Randy boy, I don't kick any HS accomplishments to the curb. There was no sarcasm nor cynicism in my first response to you Mustangs...so, choke back the reigns on your emtional wagon train. Props are something people need when winning somehow became a surprise not only to themselves but everyone else around them. You want respect for being a champion in a variety of sports, then act like a champion....(ie..No props required!)...ONCE AGAIN, I COMMEND (not condenm) YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

Plaid lad, how did Glendora stack up aginast their competition?

Dont try try to slight Salesians acomplishments this year, they deserve huge props....they had an incredible year across the board!

Re: Match That

Congrats on the tropies and championships. Salesian is a far cry from the competition offered by bigger student bodies...although I'm sure the thrill of victory is still the same even at your level of play.

Randy,Joe Amat, Matty, Mike, and others,

Here's Salesian haul for the year 2006-2007:

Football- Undefeated Santa Fe League Champs

Soccer -Undefeated Santa Fe League Champs & CIF Champs
Defending Santa Fe Champs 02,03,04,05,06,07

XCountry - Sante Fe League Champs
6 Runners made All League

Volleyball- Undefeated Santa Fe League Champs
Division 5 Runner Up Losing to Top Ranked Calabasas Viewpoint in the Championship 25-17,25-8,25-20

Baseball- Santa Fe League Champs

Salesian Student Body:

102 Freshmen
88 Sophmores
80 Juniors
85 Seniors

Let's see that's 5 League Titles, 3 undefeated league teams, 2 CIF Championship appearances, 1 CIF Championship, Many ALL LEAGUE and ALL CIF awardees and how many academic/athletic scholarships?

Too bad some people will bicker about what division a team plays in the SGV when they have all the advantages in the world (money, facilities and resources)and yet come up short. Salesian gets it done on the field and in the classroom. Many former Salesian athletes and former Salesian Coaches continue their winning ways at other high schools and colleges today.

Sorry boys but someone once mentioned that Salesian was a nobody and that clearly is not the case. Just wanted to brag a bit more seeing as it's graduation time and all.

Randy what can you say.

They win it all in Soccer CIF Champions, go deep in the playoffs in Football League Champions, get it done in Cross Country, and now they are on the verge of their 2nd CIF Championship this year. Just wait until I give everyone an update on their college admissions rates for this year.

Mustangs in the HOUSE....and the HOUSE IS ROCKIN AND ROLLIN !!!!!

Is that something! One little school in Boyle Heights that serves the community and gets it done against all odds. How may SGV teams can boast those standards.

Here's a shout out to all the Mamas y Papas that sacrifice to give their mijos a chance at a better life. Gracias.

Mustang for life!

frankie c.---- did you catch that Salesian box score in volleyball, they beat "Flintridge Prep" to earn a trip to the finals on sat! Good show there pancho, bravo! The "Thurston Howell's" of the La Cresenta must be eating their shorts...i luv it!....

Which Blue and Gold did you go see? Notre Dame??? CAL??? Amnot??

the Purple and Gold look alittle bigger, a little faster, and alittle more into it this spring..... i like it......

Randy I saw the big Blue and Gold...we'll talk!

Meanie, I was out there yesterday....I'll be out there today from 3:30 to 4:30....i got one last t-ball game to watch tonight! I'll be at the top of the steps, of the practice field...c ya bro....

Randy how about I we see DB together sometime..maybe tomorrow? Today I'm off to see the Blue and Gold.

Wow I'm as nervous as a virgin on Prom Night...lol

PS.

40 to 6 and my brother's in the Orange Bowl Championship Game (again)lol. My Dad's going as well and will be a Special Guest with locker room priveldges and all. Cool huh? If I can get away I'll be there as well.

How's the boy doing? Hope to see you there. Set something up. C ya.

mean machine......say it isnt true......damn bro, you got me...i never woulda thunk it....you sneaky s.o.b.

Dan, I totally agree with that. Lakewood must ahve been a monster. I think all the "Lakies" moved on to make Orange Lutheran what it is today...If you know what I mean. Been to the Lakewood YMCA recently...lol

Randy....here's a hint 40 to 6! Booyah! (Code of Silence)

It doesn't take long to see what there is at a Spring practice. Really. If your a skill guys(QB, WR, RB, and yes FB) no pads means no hitting, no hitting means no pressure. No pressure means ..if you don't look good now...you're in trouble. As far as the Linemen...only pads will tell the truth. How many times does a linemen look bad or good and then the pads and the running starts and pooof! Gone, Quit, Cried, Bye! So I never say much about Linemen other than they should be good and they have great upside.

In Spring Ball I look for a few things with any team: Speed, Feet, Hands, Arm Strenght, Vision, Power, Toughness, Leadership, "FOCUS" and Potential. That doesn't take long. I try and see the "players" in the crowd. I try and see who needs work, how much and usually leave "wondering" why not? When the pads come on all those things come together or fall apart.

I'll see DB soon and give you a heads up. This could be your year...who knows but One hour of Spring Ball tells me all I need to know and that's the bottom line in high school football...ready? ARE THE COACHES PREPARED, FOCUSED AND ARE THE PLAYERS BUYING WHAT THE COACHES ARE SELLING. That's the difference.

It doesn't take long. I don't need to know the players, in fact I prefer not to know who's who. Great players stand out, great potential is hard to ignore and your RUDYS just will not be denied.

I tell you more but the paletas are melting...call a Fireman!

Mean Machine,
I have no idea who was on that
Lakewood team, all I know is that they ended my Alma mater's best season ever and as a ten year
old I cried on my pillow that night. lol, anyway's you can check any CIF championship program and you will see the 18 to 17 score between Amat & Lakewood in the year 1970.
My point was that Pioneer & Lakewood were good enough caliber teams in that year to have given
an Amat team stacked with Pat Haden & John Mckay a close game, something you can't possibly imagine if you look at those teams today.

mean machine, I know I certainly appreciate your taking the time out of your day, and loss of revenue you must take (from your ice cream truck route that you plod along on)....to give us your total team breakdowns from A to Z based on one-2 hr spring practice for each team, that you seem to catch here and there, not knowing who's who at all.......your amazing.....

Joe you going to be there on Tuesday? Great to pick your brain for a while.

I hear Bishop Amat has some new wrinkles, coaches and players. Verti is going to be a keeper in my mind or else Spooner doesn't make the move. I want to see what he does now that he's reached the "Promised Land"! My guess he'll be a force!

Mean Machine

Keep up the scouting reports. Curious to hear what you have to say after Tuesday. The jury's still out - and I hope everyone is at practice : )

Been around a while, Amat grad, multiple sports, multiple positions (depending on the year)

Demographics change, schools open, others close. Pioneer was good, El Rancho, Blair - a bunch of schools that you don't equate with top level football nowdays. Even South Hills and Los Altos were in the top division (then called 4A) at that time.

Joe Amat . You have alot of information about CIF and the history of local sports. What high school did you atend? What position and sports did you play?

How's Amat looking these days. I'm going there Tuesday to see them.

Dan I have a question. Even with McKay and Haden Amat only won by 1 point? That Lakewood team must have been loaded! Who was on the Lakewood? Archie Griffin? lol

Joe Amat, when you look at it nowadays, its incredible to imagine that Pioneer was ever in div.1 football, but in the early 70's they use to
put out some good teams with coach Bob Spindola.
Although they weren't known as a perenial football power, in 1970 they were good enough to get to the CIF 4A semi finals where they lost to Lakewood by a TD. Lakewood then went on to the championship game where they lost a close one to
your Amat Lancers 18 to 17.
That year you had Pat Haden at QB and correct me if I'm wrong but I think you also had John McKay jr. at wide reciever.

Aram?
When will you be doing your rounds to the local high schools, and looking at their respective spring practices? Which programs are on top of your list to go and see first? And please keep us updated on who looks the best.

Thanks.

Aram?
When will you be doing your rounds to the local high schools, and looking at their respective spring practices? Which programs are on top of your list to go and see first? And please keep us updated on who looks the best.

Thanks.

Actually Joe things haven't changed that much.

"Amat is still in 3rd place!" LOL

That was tooooooo easy!

All joking aside. Glad to hear you added Coach Witherspoon to Varsity. Good luck Spooner!

Pico boys,

Great background info - classic story.

The years surrounding that, the Angelus League went like this:
1972-St. Paul was champion, Servite 2nd, MD 3rd, Amat 4th
1973-St. Paul was champion, Servite 2nd, Amat 3rd, MD 4th,
1974-Servite was champion, St. Paul 2nd, Amat 3rd, MD 4th, 1975-St. Paul was champion, Servite 2nd,Amat 3rd, MD 4th,

How times cgange - Pioneer in DI football, El Rancho was one of the best programs around, and most of St Paul came from Pico Rivera

CO Bro it was Pioneer,I believe I was a freshman at Pioneer when it happened, and it was a first round CIF 4A playoff game when St Paul was caught. The game was still played and St. Paul won big in that game but was disqualified the following week for the spying, and Pioneer got to advance instead. The year was 1973 or 74, and I also heard they were caught at the Denny's across the street.

Maybe Servite was just the league school making the biggest deal about it and/or turned them in.

There were about 4 or 5 years in a row where Servite and St Paul were 1-2 in the old Angelus League and St Paul won 12 of 14 League Championships prior to 1981.

Joe A. r u sure it was Servite they were spying on? I grew up in Pico Rivera in the 70’s; my next door neighbor went to St. Paul. If I remember it right it was Pioneer High they were spying on. They were caught in the Denny's right across the street from the field. I may be wrong but that was the story in my neck of the woods.

Yeah, I don't really care what schemes a team is using. I just want to know how they look. I don't get why some coaches spazz about other teams spying on them. It's not like they don't have game tapes of you in the first place ... and lots of them. And if you're installing some new system, isn't that a sign already that things aren't going well? Some guys tell me in Week 8 "We don't want to give anything away." Oh really, the 10 game films you gave to their staff last Saturday didn't already do a good job of that?

Thus far, we've gotten some good info about Damien and Los Altos. There will be more to come. My observations on Charter Oak are limited except for that they look as though no weight lifting sessions were missed. How key are those off-season weight training sessions? I feel bad for the teams who did them half-assed, because clearly some teams took them very serious.

In the mid-'70's Marion Ancich and St Paul got in some trouble with CIF for "spying" on Servite practices. I think that I also remember Harry Welch at Canyon getting in trouble for having someone video from atop a motor home across the street from an opponents practice.

I guess there is nothing wrong with being a newspaper/blog informant, but going back to the schools seems to be where CIF draws the line.

I was on anothe blog where a guy had said he gone to a spring practice and was listing position by position what guys were getting the most reps, etc. etc.

He went on and on about one key player and how he was playing a certain position instead of his normal position. Well, I happened to know the kid and I mentioned to his mom that someone was talking up her kid in a blog. She said, "that is great, but he hasn't been at practice the last week because he's been sick".

Guess you can't believe everything you read. :)

Aram,

Accurate yes,

Call Verti and ask what is the latest on one of his most prized superstar players?...no names here but it is ugly.

This subject is horrible and will take a week to get out of here.....2 hits is all and I dont see it getting any better....lets get some football comparisons going here...10 ten SGV QB's or top 10 RB's........This I spy did not work...can it now!

Funny Story about this stuff...

Awhile back when I was on staff at a local high school. We had a “peeper” always watching practice through the fence.

Well one day at practice while we were running the offense against the upcoming opponents defensive sets, the head coach who I was standing next to leans over to me and say's hey Mike see that guy over there? Well watch this....

Coach called everybody into a huddle and goes “ok guys, the guy over there looking through the fence has been watching us for a while. We let’s give him a closer look. On three I want all of you (Coaches included) to run straight for that fence and jump up on it and scare the crap out of this guy.”

One, Two, Three…the whole team, staff, coaches, trainers, stat girls, everyone took off running right towards this guy like a herd of buffalo. The guy stood there in shock until he realized we were coming right at him. As we got half way there he ran like hell in the opposite direction. All of us were just cracking up.

As it turned out it was one of the freshman kids Dad’s waiting for his son. He got the biggest laugh out of it and every time we would see him he would always say to us “Hey Coach I’m one of the good guys remember that ok”

Funniest thing I had ever seen during my coaching days. (There are a couple of more but I can’t mention those here).

Just thought I’d share that with you guys and gals.

Out!

Mike the Clone

Aram,

Very Creative...

Still laughing about this thread in a positive way, good job...

AnyMouse...