PRESEASON: Top 10 Quarterbacks in the SGV ...

SEMI BREAKING NEWS (like anyone will read this!)

the future of south hills at the qb spot is ok! jr. cameron deen's little bro has been put in the starting spot on the freshman team. he's a big, strong kid w/ a ton of potential. the stars are back aligned, all is good! coach's can sleep again at night. out!!!!!

O.K Partida and Garay. It's easy to see that these to will be mentioned in the same sentence often during the next year. Although Garay does have upside I disagree with the 2 QB's being ranked side by side. If anything for this simple reason. Garay has Cogburn. Last years M.V.P is a reciever and Garay threw over 75% of his passes and touchdowns to Cogburn. As of yet nobody has been able to cover Cogburn. A slant and 60 yard run after catch or a streak should not mean the QB is good. In addition it was the defense that won the game for South El Monte against Arroyo Last year. Partida was sacked well over 8 times during that game not including the sack on first play of the last drive and he still brought back his team to be in position to win.
The supporting class claim holds no weight in the case for Partida. He was sacked more than any QB in Arroyo history.
Partida still had better stats then Garay. Garay does have an additional year which gives him the upside advantage, but if Partida has the year that he is capable of then that won't matter.
I have had the opportunity to meet and see both of these QB's. Garay is a good solid QB, but Partida has the edge in my opinion. He has the ability to be one of the best QB's in Mission Valley League History.
I am definitely looking forward to watching both of these QB's play and feel that the game this year will be even better.

drew defenatly doesent fit the mold of crook
ones good (drew)
one not so good

drew defenatly doesent fit the mold of crook
ones good (drew)
one not so good

drew defenatly doesent fit the mold of crook
ones good (drew)
one not so good

drew drew drew

Joey seeing as we love talking about our kids (and with good reason), my son gave me his medal from this week's Varsity Wrestling Tournament at Etiwanda for Father's Day. It was his first Varsity Tournament and he placed 2nd @ 189lbs even though he's only been wrestling since December and weighed in at 179. He's going to be tough come League @ 171.

My wife saw him wrestle because I was at a basketball tournament with my 13 year old son. Too bad time goes so quickly. I don't coach any of them anymore and I like it that way. When you have quality coaches it's easier to just sit back and enjoy the game and my kid's effort.

When is Amat's passing league games by the way?

Tell your boy congrats on the research. You must be very proud. And isn't that the best gift a kid can give you? Happy Father's Day...Old Timer! lol

M&M.

Forgot to post my name so it came up Anonymous.

Funny story of yours !

The older we get - the better we were !

Anonymous...that was classic!

Reminds me of what my daughter told me when she ran across my high school annual a few years back. "DADDY YOU USED TO BE GOOD LOOKING!! IS THAT HOW YOU GOT MOM?"

Worst part ...she was serious!

I just smiled. Then I made the mistake of telling her I dated the Homecoming Queen before I dated the Mrs. and she really flipped...."Really???" Seeing as I was trying to rescue my ego I also compounded my mistake by bragging that I also dated 3 of the other girls on the Prom Court! She looked even more perplexed. Then she went on to tell my wife...who said it like it was...."That was then and this is now" Both Mom and daughter teased my for weeks.

Well at least I have pictures!

M&M,

had to share yesterdays Fathers Day card. very topical.

it says on the cover

"Dad,
Everyone says I inherited your looks."

inside

"Oh, well -
win some you lose some."

and he writes "Genetics Suck !" (our standard joke)

OUCH !!!! : )

Re: Joe Amat (JA)

JA...hearing and reading that Amat is losing franchise players is troubling. I know many Amat fans have expressed that you will re-load...because that is what you do with a great deal of recognized and accomplished success. I would imagine that Amat's depth charts are stacked with kids that will now have the opportunity to step-it-up and contribute on Friday night. The part that bugs is that their doesn't seem to be the sense of loyality anymore. The departure of one or two players that Coach Verti and your entire team were counting-on makes me think that they never attended Amat with the desire or intent to be part of a real team. Individualizm and the thought of self serving ideals created that monster. Subsequently, players and their parents find it easy to walk away from good programs, coaches, and their teammates, for the sake of thinking the opportunities are far greater on someeone elses field. I have no doubts that Amat will win...and win big, without those that crossed borders...because that is what you have done in the past. BOL!

Plaid Lad

Look at Gonzaga and BYU. They are not the most athletically gifted but they beat far superior athletic teams. That's my point.

As far as the original "gene pool" theory. It only applies to horses (with marginal success) and not people.

Maybe that's why the verdict is out on Andre Agassi and Seffi Graff's kid. Now if any of their kids is a Tennis UBER STUD I'll concede the point.

Joe Amat congrats on the family scholar. Gotta get the book when it comes out. Signed I hope.

As far as gene pool engineering look at Todd Maranovich as a prime example of this wayward thinking.

Plaid Lad I was able to see 3 receivers last year that might prove my point and really get's to Joe Amat's boy theory in practice....Travis Eshardies, Jeff Lucero and Taylor Herrera. Perception, execution and exceleration. You do the math. Same goes with Joel Ramirez, Justin Luiten and Brad Walsh...sometimes the only thing that stands in the way of greatness is perception.

Case in point one of the greatest athletes of the modern basketball era almost never got a chance to play. Dennis Rodman is a GREAT athlete and it took a stroke of luck to unleash it. I 'll always wonder what Nick Bright would have accomplished at Mater Dei or Glendora? 6'7" and what a great athlete, with a great engine and superior frame...and where is he now?

I've seen it in basketball as well. Perception is reality and the intoxication with athletic mannerism sometimes gets confused with being athletic. As far as gene pool...have you seen some of the Dads that have the best athletes...must be a deep pool...present company included. lol

Let's move on.

Joe Plaid and anyone else what about the passing league schedules? Where can someone find out times, scores and details?

Plaiddy boy,

The Zane flashback- nice one.

uuummmm....that's just about what I said. Isn't it?

"....Let the cover of night bear witness and destroy those who resist so they shall harm me not...."

Man, I hope you didn't pay $10 to go see that on the big screen. Rental at best : )

Re: Joe Amat (JA)

JA read your blog. Not sure about visual perspectives or perceptive realities, or for that matter anything else that comes from a coaches physic-book. I believe in what I've seen over the years and being part of many huddles (as a coach and player) I've come to realize what works and what does not. Nowadays, there are many motivating factors that cause good coaches and players to become great. If you recall back in the 80's Coach Zane had teams that didn't have size, speed, or alot of physical strengths, but time after time, he produced teams that could competed at a certain level that was sure sweet to watch. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't know if any of those athletes ever made it at a collegiate or professional level of competition. That doesn't mean they were anything less then the true Champions that they were. Zane was a great coach that offered his intelligence, experience, and knowledge of football to any athlete that wanted to learn. Those that excelled took what was offered by Zane and incorporated their own athletic abilities (gene pool) to make good on memories that are still remembered today. JA, you beyond anyone else should understand what that means to the histroy of any program.

FYI: "Perceptive Reality" was the theme and focus of the movie "Stay Alive" with Frankie Muniz.

M&M,

I'm with you a little on overcoming the gene pool theory a bit and I think that you and Laddy boy agree in principle, if not in theory. While bigger, stronger, faster, prevails quite often, as Pete Carril from Princeton wrote, "The Smart Take From the Strong". Train for both - and you've got champions. Of all people we've seen the Plaid cagers prove that for years under LeDuc at GHS.

Players like Munoz, Flores, and Plunkett are hiding inside many of our young athletes and you hit the nail on the head - a good coach with vision can bring that out in them if the players buy in. I remember this brother combo at Amat in the '80s. Little Rigo was a 160 lb LB that was tough as nails and still in amat's top 3 in career tackles and played around the time of Randy Tanner. He walked on at USC as a WR and was a lettermen, but I'm not sure he ever played. Don Markham came around and sold everyone on getting bigger, stronger, faster and although he only lasted a year, that philosophy stuck around. Younger brother Ramon came around and, under the new training regime he finished as a 205 lb stud and wrestled collegiately at CSUF. Point is - same genes. Training and coaching just "created" a player that looked more "gifted" athletically.

My son is actually completing his Masters Thesis on "Stereotype Threat in College Athletics". What he is finding while collecting data is supporting the whole "C Student/A Student, Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes, and Dr Seuss's Sneetches/Star-Bellys theories.

Coaches tend to stereotype players based on visual perception and the "threat" of this stereotype causes coaches to reinforce the percieved traits and creates those self fullfilling prophecies. They discourage the "smart, non-athletic" athlete from attempting "athletic stuff" and praise/encourage/reward them more often for using their "intelligence" . They try to get the percieved "athletic player" to use his athleticism and overlook some mental errors because of it. This creates players that try to do too much and do not develop any game intelligence, thus perpetuating the stereotype.

How does it go? Something like
"Treat a players as they would be or could be and they'll become what they can. Treat them as they are - and they'll remain what they are"

or something like that.

Re: Meany....(Quit making chicken soup!)

All kidding aside, I think we might be on the same page with alittle more clarity. Your anology slightly missed the mark on what I was refering to with regards to "Athletic Gene Pool." So, the example of the Harvard teacher making "C" students into "A" students and visa versa, isn't what I was exactly targeting when I expressed my opinion about having an Athletic Gene Pool. I totally agree with you that anyone eager to learn can become that "A" student...and it is well documented that there is no "Gene Pool" required and/or necessary to become that valedictorian. I also admired my teachers, professors, coaches, and mentors, that made me believe that I could get it done in the classroom for the betterment of my own future. For all of those individuals and more, I am enternally indebted.

More to my origianl point, I was referring to the physical abilities an "athlete" needs to participate and excell in any sport and not just football. I was refering to "athletes" without pigeon-holing race, sex, and/or creed. Great coaches teach, and great athletes learn to excell not just because they have received "forwarded-knowledge" by a profound coach, but because they have the physical and mental abilities to put both ingredients together to be remembered as Champions!.....Meany, it's as synonymous as your reverence and admiration toward the Mustangs of Salesian.

FYI: ...come on now!...whoever told you that Damien had the best "Athletic Gene Pool" in SGV?

Plaid Lad ..we've got to meet! I thought there was something scholarly about you!!! I read your comment about the T/C retirements.

Any way so we see the scholarly approach...study at Harvard (I think): Two classrooms. One set of teachers. I believe the teachers were all "teacher of the year" types. One set of students are "C" students and the other are "A" students. Remember only one set of teachers. As the experiment goes they tell the teachers the opposite of what the students are...."A" students become "C" students and visa versa. They teach the kids for a week and after ask the teachers for their "overall" impresions of the students....I'll make it short. Thats' right! The teachers "taught" to their "perception" of the students. That's called "GENE POOL" myopia. You "see" what you want to "see". At Salesian we saw greatness...in ourselves, in our opponents and in the classroom. I never worried about what the other guy saw...even if they were the occassional shortsighted "expert".

I see greatness in every player, program and school. It's the responsibility of those in charge to create the atmosphere where kids "see" it for themselves. Hope you're doing that as well. As far as your soup anology...."Make SH^% out of shinola" is what my former coach used to say. 20+ CYO Championships, a Hall of Fame career and countless lives touched I believe what he believed... "You put your pants on one leg at a time just like I do!" Maybe it's time you put some Salesian "blood" in your program...call it "GENE MANIPULATION" hell it's worked for other programs...even Bishop Amat wised up and moved Coach Spooner up to Varsity...hope it wasn't to late.

Re: Mean Machine

Meany...point well taken! But, I think your anology was a bit squibbed. Those professional players you mentioned were absolutely the best and likely coached by the best. They just didn't become great athletes because of coaching. They were never considered project athletes. Their natural athletic abilities hurdled each of them toward their successes on the field. In my veiw, coaching educated them, experience honed them, and God given NATURAL PHYSICAL ABILITES made them what the were. That spells "Gene Pool" to me. Remember, always Meany...."You can't make chicken soup out of chicken __ __ __ __!"

I HAVE NEVER BELIEVED IN THE "GENE POOL" THEORY! NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER!

A TEAM CAN COME TOGETHER AND SUCCEED IF THEY ARE WELL COACHED , FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND AND WELL CONDITIONED.

NEVER, EVER, NEVER BELIEVE THE "GENE POOL" THEORY!

THAT'S WHAT MAKES BLACKS UNABLE TO PLAY QB AT THE NFL LEVEL, BLACK MEN COACH ...THE GENE POOL THEORY SHOULD BE ERASED FROM EVERYONE'S MIND!

I REMEMBER WHEN PEOPLE ASKED WHEN THERE WOULD BE LATINOS IN THE NFL (70's)....THAT YEAR ANTHONY MUNOZ ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS MAYBE THE GREATEST LEFT TACKLE THE GAME AS EVER SEEN, TOM FLORES WAS LEADING THE RAIDERS TO 2 SUPER BOWL WINS WITH A LATINO QB NAMED PLUNKETT AFTER ANOTHER LATINO LED THE VIKINGS TO SUPER BOWL AGAINST THE CHIEFS...IT'S ALL CRAP!!!

Damien has one of the greatest "gene poolS" (your concept) of anyone in the SGV. Anyone. THEY ALWAYS HAVE BIGS, SPEED AND QUALITY STUDENTS IN ABUNDANCE. They easily could be an equal power to Mater Dei, Loyola and Crespi but they won't anytime soon. Programs that have GREAT coaching staffs win...it's that simple! Real players are developed and great players are challenged.

Look at De La Salle, Mater Dei, and Oaks Christian...coaching separates the men from the boys. The only "gene" theory I believe in is hard work and dedication.

Re: Mean Machine

I totally agree with you on the values and lessons of "Passing League." Last year I had the opportunity to see alot of teams at different passing league competitions. The great teams (as partly shelled as they were) moved like tornados against their assigned opponents. Others barely broke wind. Seeing the talents of Centinniel, Redlands, Norco, Canyon Country, as well as others, made GHS look like a small fish in a big pond. But then compared to our own league we didn't appear to be as dwarfed. Ya, your right passing league is about QB's,WR's,CB's,DB's,MS's and (LB's harnessed not to harm anyone...because that is what they do for a living) and about coaches with new play books and schemes, and don't forget about establishing attitude, and finding enough Kahuna's to last a season. With all of this said, I still think it is really about showing what you have and what you don't have....and that is ATHLETIC GENE POOL. You either have it or you don't.

Here's my take Plaid Lad, as a former QB. They are an eye opener! If you're a skill guy and you suck at passing league ...change positions!

It's the "King has no clothes time!" Sometimes a player just jumps out and redirects the offense and when pads come on it's back to basics. I never liked that. One thing I will tell you is passing league is like a Rooster fight for coaches...all that "field time"...it gets to their head.

I saw a coach ball out a player last year for extra "shoving and jawing" and then saw that same coach "shoving and jawing" on that same field after a 50 plus yard field goal during the season. The coach apparently forgot the "lesson" he was teaching his LB... I think it was about "class and embarassing yourself and the school". See too many coaches ball out players for rough housing when THAT'S WHAT LBS DO! hit people!!!

See sometimes it's just about football and that's cool other times it's about oneupsmenship.

Passing league is about working out the kinks in a QB more than ANYTHING else. See that's why the coaches stress so much. It validates or invalidates their "development", or lack there of, within their system. Example: QBs with NO FORM mean NO CREDIBLE QB COACH at the lower levels. Same goes for all the skill positions...it's out there for everyone to see. Naked to the world baby!!! I love that and can not wait to see a couple of QBs this year! It's going to be rich! lol

Are the WRs, CBs and QBs fundamentally sound or do they just look aweful. I love to see piss poor QBs, scared WRs, and slow CBs getting worked. Most of the time it's the "annointed stars" that fall flat on their face. That's a lack of a program. I love it when the coaches get put on the spot and can not figure out a defense. Seen Bishop Amat's QB freeze 4 years ago against Carson during passing league at K stadium and the coaches Di Fiori and Co. yelling "JUUST THROW THE BALLLLLL!!!!!" (Sorry Amat fans that was a beautiful sight and brought back my own nightmarish experienses against Wilson/Cuccia)

But what I like the most is to see a star in the making, a defense that just MOVES, and a WR that fights for the ball, a young CB with STONES the size of bowling balls and most of all a QB that fears no one and drips confidence.

So for me it's a thumbs up IF the coaches stop acting like nervous nannies! Relax coaches NO ONE THINKS IT"S YOU!

Mean Machine / Mike the Clone

I know that several SGV teams will begin their passing-league practices this next week. GHS is scheduled to be up at Los Osos on Tuesday. Over the years I've not been much of a fan of passing league. Too much saga and trash talking between players and sometimes between coaches. Sometimes not enough accomplished. But as much as I reserve those opinions I realize that it does hold an important place in preparing the team for the coming season. I think the real burn comes when I see certain "D" or "O" introduced and schooled but then never implemented or executed when the season rolls around. So, we sometimes look like a new suit with the same old stained tie and shoes. Nothing pretty about that look..is there? So, what's your take on "passing league"....two thumbs up or two down?

Aram,

I couldn't understand why Gano would want you to stay away. It may have to do with his recruiting tactics. I heard that the top freshman recruit in the area is locked in at Wilson, went to freshman orientation and then is invited to practice with Los Altos after practice he is invited to the Los Altos freshman orientation by the coaching staff. Of course that must be legal; Gano and staff would never break CIF rules.

Plaid-Lad

I hope you're right. Our record with Damien is 4-14-2.

2006 GHS vs.DHS

By now everyone has had plenty of time to re-evalaute what happen in that 33 to 13 whaloop we received from the land of Sparticus. Filming the game allowed me the opportunity to focus and isolate my interest on certain aspects of the game, which might have been miss by most. The competitive edge was fierce and won by a smarter team. Of course, if you only look at the final score then my points are mute. If not, then gather around and listen to what Plaid Lad has to say. First and foremost, Damien and Morrison beat us hands down. They out played us and out coach us at every level. Did they have better suited athletes then us? I say, NO WAY! They just played smarter and executed and zeroed in on our failures (penalties and misques and lots of them) and inabilities to adjust offensively and defensively. DHS special teams also shined, and if all things were made equal (and they weren't on that night) we would have had a tough time staying in it with Miller being able to bang 53 yarders. As painful as it was to watch, it still was quite a sight to see. So, what have we learned?...for that matter, what do we learn each time we lose? I think the GHS coaches and players realize that if plan "A" somehow falls through the cracks, and we begin to look like an 'old runaway washing machine' then someone needs to contact the "MAYTAG" repairman so he can introduce the plan "B" "C" and "D" for good measure. By not allowing yourself the privilege of changing any set plans while the game is evolving....you are only subjecting yourself to failure by exposing your own weaknesses. So, what's in store for (Friday) 10/12/07....well, my money is on GHS...but, then again I ain't much of a betting man.

I agree with deen but i sure as hell dont agree with wilsona t #10. that kids horrible Jacob Shirley from West Covina is twice as good as him.

Evan Heard is a fantastic RB lets get him in this!!!

Plaid-Lad as one old timer to another here in the blog, I must apologize for the mispelling of the king of "Lads"

PLAID-LAD!

Sorry about that man! Tacos did you say tacos? Donde amigo!

Late!

Mike the Clone

Response: Go Tartans (GT)

GT when I referred to the word "SPEED" I was describing the entire varsity level of play and competition. You don't need me to tell you that GHS has never been a house bulit on speed (with the exception of a few choice players past and present). So, those that have never started and played at the varsity level (and we have a grip of those players) are going to have to step it up or like eating the dust of the teams that we will compete against.

Response: Mean Machine

No apologies necessary dude...I agree to disagree cuz that's Plaid Lads style. I've been away making taco money for the family and it doesn't take much to be kinda get out of touch with things. But from what I've read so far you are still leading the "troups through the soup." Also, sorry, to hear about your father-in law...hope he beats that big nasty C and has the health and time to enjoy some games this season. Keep it real laddie-boy.

~plaid lad~

caught a glendora practice last week and was very impressed with the team overall and defense in particular. they will crush their opponents.

Palid -Lad,

I tend to think your right on all points. But I still think young “Kluz” can handle the QB chores although young he has the reps. Your observation of the O-line is very good the line speed is a concern of mine too. Although young as we maybe with proper technique being taught we can gain some speed off the ball. The youngsters will be on a learning curve so expect miscues. I haven’t had a chance to watch any spring ball because I’m just so busy at work, but believe me I hear all about it.

It’s anyone’s guess what is going to happen this upcoming season. One thing is for sure it will be interesting and Plaid I’ll just have to trust your good judgment on this one at this time.

Late!

Mike the Clone

PLAID-LAD

I am trying to understand what you are referring to when you say "Speed" Glendora doesn't have but maybe two guys with average speed.

Well said Plaid Lad....but I like your take on Glendora football sung to music....

"What makes that little "plaid" ant think he can move that rubber tree plant...doesn't he know an ant.. can't!! ....but ...HE'S GOT HIGHHHHHHHH HOPES , HE'S GOT HIGHHHHHHHHHHH HOPESSSS!!!!!"

Dude I'm just teasing you a bit. Good luck to your team. Chino Hills and Damien will be tough and I think Damien is your first league game (not sure) and after that the truth will set us free!

Hope you took it in fun. I'll try and not be thin skinned as well. My apologies if I been a jerk before. My father in law just found out he has cancer for the 4th time after years in remission so anything I can do to make things nicer I'll do.

Best of luck.

Tale of the tape:

Glendora is set to field a different team this year then last. Obviously, this is every SGV coach's quest upon losing certain players and the positions that they honed for the past two to three years. GHS is expected to be at full force defensively with several returning players at the primary and secondary positions. My observation is that the defense will have a better lateral approach toward the ball. Our DB's look good and with added snap-time their total game will improve each week. Over all, the speed and team experience displayed this year opposed to last will be hard to beat. Offensively, GHS took a big hit losing several key seniors to graduation. Reloading will be tough but I think the big question will be answered by a young QB that will rewrite what execution and knowledge of the game means to a team. Addressing the running game still remains a mistery with one solid returner coupled with a supporting cast with the lack of varsity experience. The effects of those young pups talents will either rise to the occassion or circle the drain...and cause Coach P to re-evalate his new offense. Up front, blocking appears solid with two to three starters from last year who will join descent size, OK line speed, and good physical strengths. The question here lies with those players that have never experienced varsity football speed. So, are they tough enough? I say...yes! Will Coach P have them ready to compete? I say...yes! Will they make their mark on the field? I say...yes! Is it still anyone's game?...I say yes!

So SH has great QBs, but do they have the receivers to catch the ball?

steve, u are correct. nv only victory over covina was this years and last years freshman team, besides that covina has nv's number, including this upcomign season

goldsmith should be number one, reese from duarte should also be on the list simply because he wins games.

sorry for the typo
i meant that northview hasnt beat covina in jv (class of 08'), i also think freshmen? not sure but i know for sure nview lost to covina last year in JV

i think you guys are expecting too much from northview, class of 08 from covina has beat covina in jv
and last year covina beat northview in jv

Evan Heard? RB for South Hill cmon lets get him in this

Evan Heard? RB for South Hill cmon lets get him in this

Aram, I don't understand how you as a sports writer and enthusiast can innumerate a top ten list of any sort when attempting to compare player positioning from different leagues of competition. Your top ten QB list misses the mark of a true comparison. No doubt, the QB's listed are great athletes within their own league of competition. My point is exactly this....How can you compare the performance of a player (like a QB or LB...etc) who happens to be let's say in the Mission Valley League with that of maybe the Sierre League or for that matter any other league of greater or smaller venue. Don't get me wrong, I believe the QB's you listed are quality athletes and might very well be their teams franchise best...with one important caveat....in their own league and not in everyone elses. So, stop mixing peas with carrots...I hate mixed vegetables.

My deepest sorrows to the families of these
young men, and to the South Hills community, despite being rivals on the field it hurts my heart to hear that something so tragic has happened to the children of our community, may God give comfort and strength to these families
during these trying times. - Dan

Hush, who told you he was going down the depth chart from what i saw he was doin pretty well.

Drew Kaluzny is not good enough to make my baseball team.
Dan Henley

Damn..Danny Pertusati is hot!
Sincerely,
John

Unfortunately, the tragic loss of our children has become a yearly common denominator which each parent, and the community at-large, prays does not happen to them. As the school year comes to an end the cause of death for our teen-youth is often blamed on drugs, alcohol, and recklessness. I suppose that poor decision making and immaturity also contributes to the senseless injuries and deaths that devastate everyone. The best we can do as a community, and as parents, is to constantly re-enforce to our children the ills of violating those laws that govern the freedom that each us value and cheerish. In the end, if our children think of these constant lessons of life before they react.....maybe...just maybe...the worst case scenario wouldn't exist. For now, we pray for the families, schools, and communities, currently in a state of mourning over the tragic loss of two of SGV's best. My condolenses to everyone.

Northview' linbacker/full back is not the best around nor does he have speed. Hes a good size kid with average or below average speed

Robles from Northview will be good. You guys are right, Northview will by last years Covina. They have the speed all over the field and the best fullback/linebacker in the area who is only going to be a Junior. They do have a big line. Coach thinks they are going to fly under the radar, they aren't 3 starters return on the o-line. Valley Vista league, watch out!

here is a great young personal trainer that just opened up his own place in the SGV, he is currently working with plenty of high school kids in the area, he is also working with mt. sac kids as well. He has worked with pros and is also working with D1 college kids. He even has field turf in his place, fun innovative ways of training, but most of all he is getting results. check out the website.

www.freewebs.com/optimalsports

any questions im sure he'd be happy to answer them

626 393 6997

Thanks Aram. I agree with you they could start at most schools period. They all have size (all are over 6 ft easily..some 6'1"/6'2". All have great mechanics and all just know the position and all that comes with it.

That's what drives me crazy about the SGV. They should be a hot bed for skilled "trainers" and camps but no everyone has to go to OC and SFV for those services. Why is that? SGV has money, resources and facilities but no legit infacstructure for that level of training.

Look at the grief Rix has to go thru, or Cuccia with his steath program. Why not open up a school and bring in more camps here?

I see very little fundamentals taught at the skill positions at the lower levels where it counts. Take a look at SH and you see that fundamentals at the QB position are not only taught they are DEVELOPED.

I want to see your TOP TEN LINEMEN this year and your TOP TEN ASSISTANT coaches...hey they are the invisable backbone of every program.

What do you think? Any chance of rating coaching staffs. It's okay they're adults. Plus maybe Bassett wouldn't have waited so log if they knew who the "hotshot" assistant coaches are.

I told you. Nice work, Mean Machine. I like reading your takes. Keep posting them in the most recent football threads. I do have a question - do you agree that all three QBs would start almost anywhere else in the Valley?

Dan thanks for the kind words. West Covina will be fine. Really liked the way WC "got after it". Hitting with pads is going to be LOUD! lol

Went to the South Hills practice yeaterday and meet Bowden's dad. Great guy. If my son transfers schools this would be the school for him.

Here's the skinny on South Hills:

If high school football is suppose to be fun then South Hills get's my vote as the #1 place to play/practice. These guys make football fun and practices are competitive.

First the QBs "the 3 Amigos". Aram is right these guys are good. Might be the system or might be the coaches or might be the talent but these guys make former QBs drool.

Never saw Parham throw but what a great athlete. Reminds me of Mendrun if he played defense (which he should have). Instincts, speed, anticipation and great hands. Next level player. Somewhere. Deen is a good QB but has a tendency to make up his mind in the huddle from what I saw. Maybe he was working on trying to thread the needle but hey it's early. Anyway great body, great mechanics and very good arm. Mental game and pads will either make or break this kid. Still outstanding QB with tunnelitis...but hey that's what passing league is for.

Last but not least is a bonafide "star" in the making. Freshmen QB Willison. This kid is magic. The receivers "know" this kid is special. Time and again he looks off the safety, influences the defense and throws either an in stride strike or an "adjusted" throw for a TD. What a phenom. I know it's only spring ball but presence, confidence and "it" come thru in spades for this kid. If he works on upper body strenght more next year this time I won't be the only one singing his praises. Must have unleashed 7/8 TDs of over 40+ yds on quick reads and checkoffs. I was laughing he was so bright and gifted. He might start before Game 1 but pads will tell the difference. Seen Parham play slot back and Wilison hits him in stride for a big gain. That combo might be unstoppable come league. Also this kid hits the RB flaring out when everyone one on defense is thinking deep or crossing patterns...that's sick! Good luck kid. Remember the name Willison or is it Wilson? Either way he's magic.

Overall the skill guys are OUTSTANDING. Parham, the LBs (Kuklinski is a STUD fast, quick, strong,smart,AGGRESSIVE and he works hard), The DLine (Umodu is very strong, nice player for sure), and this one WR that's a STUD from the word go, (strong yoked out baller) and a very very smart. He's next level as well. The Oline worked out on the other side and looked well coached and eager. But I'm sorry the Skill guys took ALL my attention. Besides without pads who knows with O-linemen.

The coaching staff at South Hills gets "it". Football is hard work and dedication but it's still a game. And if it ain't fun...why play. Besides these kids absolutely love being coached by this staff. Bogan let's his coaches coach, his players play and steps in to remind everyone that "talking for talking's sake is not what we do...Get something done!" I really liked that about him.

I'm off to see Garay at SEM,Baca at Ayala and Diamond Bar....then I'm done.

One last point Aram the comment that these QBs start anywhere is very misleading. Could they all transfer "NOW" and start at Damien, Glendora,Bishop Amat,Los Altos or West Covina yes absolutely but that's after Bogan coached them and South Hills system-ed them. As freshmen in another team's system ..who knows. That's not fair to anyone involved (coaches, players, parents). Hey one man's opinion.

That was relatively painless.

My thoughts and prayers go out to these two young men and their families. Having a kid in HS who drives and takes to road everyday, the thought of him not coming home or myself getting that call is hurtful in itself. With all the graduation parties going on not to mention Friday and Saturday nite outings with the guys or Dates lots can happen to our children. Hope we can all put football aside and the rivalries between schools and just tell our kids tonite what they mean to us and to be careful at parties where there is Alcohol and drugs. Lets face it as parents, these type parties go on and we must not be blind to it and ignore it, we must continue to talk to our youngsters about the dangers even tho they do not want to hear it. After reading this I cannot wait to see my kid today and give him a hug and tell him how much he means to me. To the whole So. Hills team, parents and student body my condolences.

Amat Parent.

My condolences to the families involved...

God Bless you Boys...

AnyMouse...

Every parent's worst nightmare. My condolences to the Stroud family and South Hills community. I worry every day waiting for my son to start at USC. I tell all my kids this is the worst time of the year for parents. The recent 4 death high school car accident the other day and now this. The end of the year brings "freaky" accidents to young,previously thought, invincible kids. To the kids be very very careful while driving. No drinking, no drugs, no racing. Accidents happen but there is no need to "push the envelope". I don't know what happen to this boy but I went to South Hills practice yesterday and saw him/them practice for the first time.

Very sad day for the San Gabriel Valley.

God bless the young boys on their journey to paradise.

I know they are not technically in the SGV but two QBs that by far would be on the top of the list if it encompassed a larger area would have to be Matt Baca from Ayala and Charlie Hinojosa from Don Lugo. Both have Big arms and great feet. Either one would start for most of the teams in the SGV if not all.

Realist24,

I hear Tillis is way down on the depth chart as far as QB but may start at a another position. He was highly touted coming out of Amat and was suppose to be the next great QB for LA???.confused as to what happened?

Thoughts and prayers to everyone at South Hills and condolences to the families involved. This hits home with all of us with kids and is unimaginable to me.

Something needs to be done about Covina Hills Road. Stop signs and speed bumps. A bishop amat volleyball/basketball player died the summer after his graduation in 2005 driving the same curves at night, hit a tree and killed instantly.

For an account on the events following last nights accident from a South Hills student go to
http://thisisswhatithink.blogspot.com/

My deepest condolences to the families of the 2 young men who lost their lives last night. I hope the other young man recovers from his injuries. It is a great loss for the entire South Hills family. Please hug your children tonight and let them know how much you love them. I can't imagine what the families are going through right now. My son just received his license this year and these are the kind of accidents that scare me to death.

Our prayers are with the South Hills family.

Hey Aram,

We had a football player pass away tonight in a car accident on Covina Hills Road. He started at Center as a junior last year for South Hills. Daniel Lewow-Stroud. My prayers go out to his Family and the South Hills Community

Gano told me to stay away, there's nothing to see. But I might go anyway although I think practice is just about done.

Aram, have you gone up to LA? If you have how are they doing.

Anonymous, why do you always have something negative to say about this Tillis kid. Why don't you go up to LA and see how he is doing. I am sure you haven't been up their have you?

where are Chris Eadie (not Eddy), Philip Guerrero, and Kevin Mort now?

goldsmith?...socked sum dude on the field last season...man was that hilarious

"Let me do the math here, 3 kida from South Hills in the TOP TEN, only one spot to give out. I believe that there is a school in the valley that does have a NEED for a QB, why would a kid wait 2 years for a shot when a lot of people say that not a lot seperates him and the other 2 guys in front of him. TRANSFER TO LA!!!!!!!!!!"

There is a couple simple reasons why those kids will remain at SH....

1) The kids happen to love SH and so do their parents. They very much appreciate everything about SH...remember two of the QB are also players on the baseball team and will be impact players for the next two-three years.

2) They happen to love the offense at SH. Remember SH loves to throw the football...empty sets, single back shotgun plays...innovative passing schemes...it doesn't get any better than at SH. And let's check the brief history of the QB's at SH for first team all-CIF

2000 - Chris Eddy
2002 & 2003- Philip Guerrero
2004 & 2005 - Kevin Mort
2006 - Nick Lamaison

It can safely be said that SH develops their QB's just fine.

3) Competition - Hey just look at what is going on at SC....Carroll continually tells drives his players on competition...and same thing is going on at SH. Competition makes whoever is going to be quarterback the best that he can be. That is what happen to Lamaison last year and it will happen to either Parham, Deen or Willison this year.

4) Bogan - Let's play it straight here...the players love Bogan and they love the program at SH.

Sorry LA fans, the chances of any of these QB's of going to LA are silm and none...and slim just left the door...good luck this season!

Mean Machine,
It was good to meet you and good to read the encouraging words about West Co's practice on the "Be a good scout" thread, I appreciate your football knowledge and insight, and I'm already starting to get pumped for the season,I also think the coaching staff at West Co. is an excellent staff but its good to hear it from a non-biased observer who has knowledge of the game, good luck to your son at Damien and enjoy the summer passing leagues and the oncoming season. Looking forward to reading your reviews
on other teams, keep them coming. - Dan.

I can assure there's nothing boring about getting calls from parents who feel their kids are being unfairly treated on the blog. It's happened too much and I can't be here every single second to monitor it all. You say something bad about a certain QB beside he's got a weak arm or no touch and the thread will deteriorate quickly. Just stay tactful.

Aram...(can you spell boring?)

Your blog policies have stifled any opportunity to express ones self without receiving some kind of sanction. OK, we get it!...we understand what negative spins can create. I wouldn't think that there is one bloggy that pounds the keyboard with a secret agenda or mission to destroy a kids character over high school sports. If the Tribune is loyal toward everyones freedom of speech, then respect those opinions that you don't neccessarily agree with...let those willing to participate in this website the opportunity to express themselves (void the venomous vengeance and vendetta's) without all of your restrictions. We promise not to yell FIRE in a crowded venue.

I like the fact that Aram went out on the limb. It'd be easy just to pick the 10 best returners with the best stats and say that they are the 10 best.

Nice to pick an up and comer with some T.U.P. and take a chance. If AT thinks he's got the tools it'll be fun to watch the kid develop once he gets some snaps. And no reason that one school can't have 3 of the best QB's. Shoot USC probably has 3 of the top QB's in the Pac-10, sometimes they just have to wait their turn.

Come on aram three sh qb's in the top ten thats a crack up,aram get of the band wagon its starting to smell and that damien kid has not proved anything and how in the hell do you select this before summer football,passing league even gets started lol,its kind of the way you pick those all area team last season get real.

Because we don't bash kids here.

I was almost sure D.Wells was going to make that Amat Hall of Fame.........

"WHATCH YOU TALKING BOUT ARAM"?....Why did I get zapped for that?

I thought LA got Tillis? He performed so well at those combines/camps that Gano got him invited to and he had such a good record in youth football you guys should be all set at QB, right? I'm surpeised he's not on the list with all of those credentials. After all, he does lead valley QB's in one category - schools attended.

Let me do the math here, 3 kida from South Hills in the TOP TEN, only one spot to give out. I believe that there is a school in the valley that does have a NEED for a QB, why would a kid wait 2 years for a shot when a lot of people say that not a lot seperates him and the other 2 guys in front of him. TRANSFER TO LA!!!!!!!!!!

Joe, I know what you're talking about. I know a couple of kids that "Were not asked back for the Spring Semester." It happend a few years ago. Back then it was all hush hush. They were there in the Fall, at a public school for the Spring, and back at Amat in the Summer just in time for work outs and Football Season. All too familiar...

Again, more often than not, students are not *kicked out* but are "asked to withdraw". That generally leaves the door open for kids to reapply after kids "serve their penance" elswhere.
Happens with athletes and non athletes alike.

I guess I can see why you did the list like this. Im hoping when the starter is set at South Hills we'll see some other QB's on there. I don't think I've ever seen a top ten Quarterback's list with 3 being from the same team. lol.

However it also shows that the SGV is a little low on QB's this year with a lot of first year starters.

Well with the no comment coming from Staff at Amat, sounds like the door is left open for his return.......If he was thrown out for good they would have said he has suspended indefinitley without going into detail. Sounds like no news is good news.

Those Lancers went against teams that ran the Forty the majority of the time. Not too many noseguards.

Martyball,

You're not fooling anyone. I know exactly what you're referring to - the notion that if you have three guys battling it off, then none of them are very good. That's not the case at South Hills. Just go watch and tell me what you think.

Verti wouldn't comment. AD Mike Manzo referred me to Dr. Hemenway, who also wouldn't comment at this time. You guys don't understand - school officials DO NOT COMMENT on these matters. We're dealing with minors and everyone is worried about saying the wrong thing.

i heard a great coach say once...sometimes when you have 3 you really have zero...solve that riddle bloggers

chris allen best qb

Hays kept that nose guard in check most of the time.......As far as the missing Amat WR, if you leave it as he is not practicing with the team , means he is still part of the team....Aram you have to know more about the situation since you spoke and interviewed Coach Verti. BREAK THE STORY ALREADY!

Aram:
When will you post the All Area Baseball Team?

A loaf of bread could do better than Hays did. Wide body, no feet.

Please refrain from discussing Dorian Wells' situation in detail. I'm hoping to get somebody from Amat to go on the record, but you know how it is when you're dealing with minors. As of now, lets just leave it at he's not practicing with the team.

An important part of this is that students are not always *expelled* from school and are instead "asked to withdraw". This avoids that scarlet letter on their transcripts and most probably is the case with the 4 lancers involved.

The return to school happens pretty often for a lot of reasons. Many student athletes leave a school to go with families (trips to visit family in Mexico and the Phillipines seem to be most common).

Academic issues are also often corrected and is, IMO unfortunately, a loophole in the rule that is taken advantage of too often. amat has benefitted before from this with a two-time All-CIF player in the late '80s. He would play football in September, get put on academic probation in November, become ineligible at the semester, withdraw and transfer to a public school. He'd do great bring up his GPA, make up an F in summer school and transfer BACK to amat. And, if I remember, he did that TWICE duing his 4 years

RULE 220. RETURN TO PREVIOUS SCHOOL
When a student eligible in School A transfers to School B and is residentially not eligible, the student may return to School A and be residentially eligible provided the student did not participate in an interscholastic athletic contest while at School B and provided the student’s parents, legal guardian, or caregiver still reside in School A’s attendance area.

QUESTION: If a student transfers for adjustment or other reason from high school B, when there has been no change of residence on the part of his or her parents, and later returns to high school A, would the student be eligible?

ANSWER: If the student has not competed in interscholastic athletics in high school B, the student would be eligible immediately upon return to high school A provided the required paperwork has been processed by the CIF-SS Office.

I was gonna send my son to Amat but I heard that alot of the kids are unhappy with the coaching situation? The guys I knew at Amat left. What is the story on the current situation?

Amat had 75 players on their roster last season. Only 33 of those were seniors.

Blue Moon

I hope that rumor is true...Hey, these are just kids and kids make mistakes. I'm an adult and I still screw up from time to time! hahaha! If this was the case though, I do not know if the CIF would allow him to play...I guess we'll have to wait. Wherever he attends and/or plays will be one lucky football program. If he teams up with a decent QB, he will dominate any school in the SGV.

A

After I see South Hills "3 Amigos", South El Monte's Garay and Ayala's Baca I'll have more to say on this QB topic.

However for all you Football Junkies there will be a Football Camp and All STAR FOOTBALL GAME this Saturday June 9, 2007

Damien's Justin Luiten will be playing in the ALL STAR GAME. I hear he's having great practices and is impressing the coaches with his combination of size, strenght and speed. This kid will go places. Best of luck Justin.

GRIDIRON FOOTBAL CAMP
SATURADY, JUNE 9, 2007
LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE
VETERAN'S STADIUM
AGES 7-17
$25

GRIDIRON WAR VIII
HIGH SCHOOL ALL STAR GAME
EAST ALL STARS VS. WEST ALL STARS

SATURDAY JUNE 9,2007
KICKOFF @ 3:45 PM
VETERANS STADIUM
LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE

FORMER GAME MVP KENECHI UDEZE (MINNOSOTA VIKINGS)

LAST YEAR ATTENDEES:
LenDale White (Tennesse Titans)
Keyshawn Johnson (Future Hall of Famer)
Dominique Byrd(St. Louis Rams)
Lamont Warren (New Enmgland Patriots)
Dennis Northcut (Cleveland Browns)

Went to last years game and it was very hard hitting. This is a great event and the talent is sick. Dorsey, Locke, Carson,Dominquez, Servite ect.

This would be a great game to watch and compare the talent at the Hall of Fame Game with the Gridiron Classic. Also the scouts will be ouit in force as they were last year at the camp and the game. Sometimes players fall thru the cracks and this is the kind of game that brings the best out in those kids.

See you at the game!

With all this QB talk yes the o-line is a big part to having a solid QB...At Amat I reading and hearing that their o-line is massive and very strong off the ball....Who has come in and replaced Roger "Big Daddy" Hays at center? Are they going with James Stremple this year? Hays is playing for Mt. Sac, and I see him around the amat campus allot. With Austin and Ochoa anchoring the tackle positions who are the guards and center?

AnyMouse,

Well I agree with the notion that a solid QB is what makes a team tick, but I guess without a QB from Amat on the list Arams thiniing and I could be wrong is that Amat may have other weapons that can beat you other than having a strong QB, hence a stingy Defense that does not give up much points or a solid running attack. He could be basing the QB's on Arm strength, Accuracy, Speed, leadership and the type of Offense these certain schools run. SH passes allot so I can see where he has the three there. Covina's QB from what hear and I have not seen him is not that bad but to replace MR. All-World McD is going to be tough shoes to fill. I am of the opinion that if you have a great QB and no line what good is he. If you have Great QB and you are weak at the receiver position what is the point...Aram Ranks Bishop Amat up there every year, just on being a D1 team and the schedule they play. Teams play to their strenghts and if the QB is not their strenght they will find other ways to win ballgames...lots of colleges and pro teams do not win big games with a big name QB..it helps but it is not everything. Good Luck to your Colts this season.

YOU HAVE TO PUT JOE CARRILLO IN THE PICTUR FROM DIAMOND RANCH HIGH SCHOOL HE CAN RUN AND THROW THE LONG BALL ACCURATE BE LOOKING OUT FOR HIM

Mat,

I can understand why you believe placing an Amat QB on the top ten might be a little premature since there are so many options available at that position...

But.....

Aram has Amat ranked at #4 in the pre pre season top ten and a strong QB will be needed to stay up there, South Hills has 3 top ten QB's and is listed #1 so it only makes sense to me that at least 1 Amat QB (No matter who it is) should qualify...

Los Altos is ranked #3 and is missing a QB in the top ten also, I am not sure you can justify placing any team that high up with so many QB questions...

A solid QB is a prerequisite to having a solid season, hence the reason I have concerns about my beloved Covina... Huge QB question mark in my opinion...

Agree or Disagree?

AnyMouse...

Who will be the QBs at LP and Workman? I know replacing Silva will be a big priority

What is the word on Dorian Wells.Do you now where he is going to go to school

I am glad a Bishop Amat QB was not put on this list. Right now there are 4-5 competeing for the spot and there is no clear cut choice. Someone mentioned Tamayo as the front runnner but I disagree with that. I have watched all of them and from what I can see Nick Iglesias and that Kid from Baseball Lenhart (sp?) are the ones battling right now Tamayo looks to be third but bieng the backup last year could win Tamayo the job. Passing league is where the real QB will emerge. At least Verti has a list to choose from this year. Lenhart has impressed me but he may be 1 year away...as far as Wells thats too bad and I wish him luck wherever he ends up.....

good list

THE B.P. KID IS ANDY SALCEDO. HE WILL BE A JUNIOR THIS COMING YEAR. TALL AND SMART WITH A ABOVE AVERAGE ARM. PLUS FROM WHAT I HEAR A FEW TRANSFERS THAT CAME IN. 1 FROM SOUTH HILLS AND 1 FROM COVINA. BOTH ARE ATHLETES.. IT WILL BE INTERESTING BECAUSE THE SKILL POSITIONS ARE PRETTY GOOD AT B.P THIS YEAR.

GO BRAVES !!!!

2 words, jacob olivas. kid is something to watch progress

Alright, we got a football thread.

Lets see a top ten RB list, then thats two threads with about 200 hits each!

Aram,

I asked about Tamayo from Amat for 2 reasons...

1. He appears to be the front runner at Amat so far and...

2. I will quote a local Prep Football Guru from a previuos blog thread...(Uh, Aram Tolegian)

"Good coach + good QB = good team. It's just that easy for me. Having watched a lot of high school football, my biggest philosophy is that if a team has an effective passing game, it's got the foundation for a good season."

Since you have Amat ranked 4th in the pre pre season SGV rankings I gotta ask you wheres Tamayo?

AnyMouse...

How about a list of the top 10 line backers

Aram,

Good detective work on your part, I had no idea the QB job at BP was even contested until now...

VVL could become quite a Dog Fight this season instead of the expected Covina dominance of recent years...

Although......

Dont count on Covina to be laying down this time around, Coach Thomas always seems to be able to develop a guy or two and turn them into stellar playmakers (Combest, McNair), I have faith in this coach for sure...

GO COVINA...

AnyMouse...

There was a sophomore kid who almost got the job last year. He'll be a junior this year and supposedly get the start. This would probably be the best mix for Heggins because he'll get two weapons on the field at both times. We all know Acevedo can run.

Aram,

Gotcha on Angel and with Harris gone it could make some sense, who is going to be the replacement at QB and with that said he must stack up well...

Why isnt he up there?

Also...........

Your Killin me on this one!

Wheres Tamayo from Amat?

Ouch...

AnyMouse

The info I'm getting is that Angel Acevedo is being moved to RB.

No kidding...

Where is Angel?

This has to be an oversight...

2 year varsity starter from Baldwin Park and he didnt even crack the "Top 10" going into his 3rd Varsity year...

Aram what gives?

AnyMouse...

wat angel acevedo from bp is way better than most of the kids up on this list. he can throw the ball, and he can run it even better.