You suck who ever said that highschools are unintelligent,well sir you suck.

sincerly,
nick

(p.s. don't let the door hit you on the way out.)

You suck who ever said that highschools are unintelligent,well sir you suck.

sincerly,
nick

(p.s. don't let the door hit you on the way out.)

I couldn't help but to put my two cents in...

First of all, I have to admit that being a part of the "Amat Family" is a love/hate relationship.
Like all schools, as a parent you must hurdle the politics, and as an athlete you must hurdle the mind games the coaches play.

When DiFiori was coaching, I initially thought he was a jerk and was an idiot in terms of the calls that were made during the game. After he left and Verti was hired, I found out that DiFiori was allowing Verti to call the offensive plays. In turn, DiFiori took the heat for this and it eventually cost him his job as head coach. I'm not saying it was the only thing, but part of the reason.

DiFiori had an excellent relationship with visiting college recruiters. Once Verti signed on, this changed. Verti's ego is very big. He is also obviously young...too young to be a head coach and have the experience and knowledge needed to communicate, lead and LISTEN to input from others and wear the many hats that is necessary from a head coach.

Our family learned first hand how the recruiting process worked. The help came from the other coaches at Amat, not Verti. The assistant coaches will record a DVD specifically with highlights of that particular player so that the player can mail to colleges. Help also came from past players who had close ties to other colleges and universities. There is alot of networking between coaches. If your son is not a "DIV. I" player or over 5'10", they are looked over the majority of the time. The head coach at Amat determines what player will be the "spotlight" player for the media and colleges. It's all to promote the school. If the player is not of the Division I level (according to Amat standards), it is his and his family's responsibility to get to the next level. Skill players will receive letters from many colleges and universities, but ultimately, these letters are to get the players interest in attending that school, not because
of their playing ability.

After saying this, I must mention that the "LOVE" side of being a part of the Amat family. It includes meeting a great group of parents. The Amat staff is "stuffy" at times, to say the least, but I must tip my hat to the mothers and fathers of the football players (past and present)...they are an integral part of the football program and our family enjoyed our time together witnessing "our boys" playing under the Friday Night Lights, waiting outside the locker room for each player (skilled or not)to walk out into the massive group of supporters, and the infamous tailgate parties that continue well into the night. It doesn't get any better that.

Who are the top ten qbs in San Gabriel Valley history? Rank them.

Who are the top ten qbs in San Gabriel Valley history? Rank them.

Who are the top ten qbs in San Gabriel Valley history? Rank them.

Yes Webster was a better hoopster than anything else. Captain and (probably) MVP in the mid '70s. He's in South OC and his kids were pretty good ballers too.

Ahh, the Golden State Basketball Days - and the visits to the Covina gym by the Harlem Clowns (Globetrotters minor leaguers). Now we've got kids running around with that funny green/blue NJB ball.

Butler and Primante played baseball too, no? At least through the youth days.

The other two names I don't recall - but they say the mind is the second thing to go.

I don't remember the first!

This blog has gone stale.

joe amat

you mentioned the name del webster, sounds very famialar to me, goldenstate basketball maybe? bill butler, val primante, randy delva, rory pernot,do these ring a bell?

JC,

Ditto to all that. That took me all the way back. That was definately a different day. I've previously mentioned my old fondness for the Colts from watching Doc Sooters teams with big Rodney Littlepage, seeing Bill Walton play in the Covina gym in the Christmas Tournament to Del Webster then thru the days of the Moore twins and the championship days of Wolak to Impastato. So deep down I may be part Colt.

I remember throwing oranges in the field on the corner of San Bernardino and Hollenbeck, playing in the old Little League field across the street from CHS (now the townhomes) and chasing foul balls in the adjacent City Yard for a hamburger and a coke, pitching nickels against the steps at Hollenbeck Park and then thinking how amazing it was that the Fox Theater had THREE screens.

Parents do shoulder most of the blame for the "wussification of America" and there's probably a ton of psychobabble to explain why - but we aren't doing them any favors in that regard.

Joe Amat,

There have been many good points made on here regarding the athletes of prior generations vs todays athletes, I can see valid points with both sides of this topic. The one thing that hasnt been mentioned (Or at least I havent seen it) is the style of parenting from generation to generation, my kids are spoiled and its my fault along with the tech advances we didnt have (Computer, Myspace, Ipod, cell phones, texting, video games etc) that I believe make you soft.
Remember when the Atari pong hit our neighborhoods? The kid that had it was BMOC and his room was packed with friends, but that was all we had, just pong. Mainly we played football, wiffle ball, tag, hide n seek, rode our bikes etc and we did this under the street lights on the local cul de sac, I look back on this and think we were better for it and also tougher.
The parenting part comes with our generations parents, specifically the Dads (I still hear stories about Mr Wolak and specifically what he had in store for Jim when he didnt beat Coach Kearns in the turkey trot at Traweek, classic story that has legs to this day). They were tough as nails, usually WWII or Korean Vets that didnt take our crap and instilled a different set of values in us. We owe alot to them and they made us what we are, I cant say we let our kids down since we in no way could be our Dads but every generation that comes along will be a bit softer until the country faces a crisis that forces us to be less indulgent and focused in the same direction as our parents had to be.

Joe Colt

Shftb fan

Guess we won't know till next year will we?

"Next year is even worse. They are replacing El Rancho with who? Oh yeah, South Hills. Just when I though they were trying to upgrade their schedule....."

Yeah, if winning four CIF titles and four consecutive league crowns while having the reputation as one of he top programs in SOuthern California is not your definition of a winning program...just go right ahead and keep on scheduling teams like El Rancho and Cantwell....

Once again, get a life

Justrab,
Your first and last sentences summed up exactly what I was trying to say.

The *great* ones, given the same tools of today - might still be great.

And, you are right, Tanner may have been the best. Had he not blown out his knee at USC we might still be talking about him on the gridiron or the diamond.

Comparing 70’s players or 80’s players to today is difficult due to single sport emphasis, completely different conditioning and a general rule that today’s athletes are getting larger. In the early 80’s if you were 6”3 275 OT you would be a monster and today kids from the valley are more commonly 6’5” 310. That said, if you took say a Randy Tanner (Amat 84) and let him play one sport and Patricio actually had us lift weight like they do today, I would say he (Tanner) would transcend 90, 00 and beyond. Randy Tanner may be (my biased) one of the least known players because he played three sports (all league and valley) in all three sophomore year and would probably been Amat’s best sprinter, but could not play four sports in one season. Amat could have played him on varsity, but the school frowned on playing freshman on varsity. A side note, why Patricio did not let him run the Amat veer option in 81 is beyond me as Tim “bummy” Garcia was good, but Randy was a prototypical option quarterback. Oh well that loss to Marina (HB) in 81 still hurts...

The valley has had guys like Winford Roberson (West Covina 79) who simply had the basic (size, speed and natural athleticism). I am sure there are many more, but if these guys could focus and have the benefit of today’s conditioning I have no doubt they could play and had the size and speed to not only compete, but play with anyone.

Certainly there were LBs that played at 5’7” 175 in the 60’s that might get crushed today, but I don’t think that you could say all “old school” guys would have problems in today’s world. I would, however, say that while Amat’s passing attack of 69-71, Los Altos 73 -80 (Hertel, Smith #1 and Smith #2) probably were as good as the valley may every say the OL and DL would get killed with the monsters of today, so unless those guys has some “wheels”, which they did not, they would fall victim to the size of today’s players. I think the real issue revolves around individuals versus teams and I would say many individuals of yesteryear could do their “thing” today, but teams would be much harder pressed to play their game.

73,
Kind of rhetorical statement regarding the yearbook. Don't know if I could find the box that mine are in either. The point was just to use the look test. Athletes of the '70's vs athletes of today. At any level.

After you mentioning the players that you did, guys like Cromwell and Lewenthal are exactly the kind of players we are discussing. Two of the toughest and best around that would break you in half. But if the average fan didn't know the players when lining them up across from another saftey or linebacker of today, most would bet that the bigger, stronger, faster players of today might come out on top of that matchup. But you and I know that toughness and heart do matter - I'm not disputing that one bit.

But those 3 teams you mentioned playing in front of a packed crowd at MSAC every home game is the reason that people at amat are as passionate as we are. People just can't undersatnd, and maybe we shouldn't expect them to.

Gramps,
We agree on many of your points, and I've stated some of them before. But I don't have CRS to the point that I can't be realistic and honest either. Like you I used to walk 3 miles to elementary school in the Southern California snow uphill both ways and every time I talk about high school I get better. I don't disagree with you that "...these today kids do not work as hard as yesterdays kids...". No grandkids yet (that hurt!) but my kids, who were pretty good players, have had teamates like you describe - and the sad part is that those kids don't recognize the difference.

And I never even implied that players of today, "...would outplay and out manuver the 70's players..." and I might just agree with you that, "...those 70's players would have knocked his teeth out....."
BUT
I stand by my very first comment, which was simply,
"...but generally I've gotta say that the present day athlete is more *physically* gifted.... " Period.

Now if you took those bigger, faster, stronger athletes of today and gave them the intangibles of the old school players you remember, and put them under the tutelage of the those legendary coaches with the technology that is available today (video, internet, training equipment and techniques) and we would be talking about some pretty great football to watch on Friday nights...Then Saturdays...And Sundays.

The kids of today have no discipline like the 70's kids. 70's kids played and practice til sundown, went home showered, ate, slept, and did it all over again the next day. Todays kid is as fat as a hog. Computers internet access, Ipods, big Screen tvs, Hand held games, central air. With all that who the heck wants to go outside and play catch anymore?.....these today kids do not work as hard as yesterdays kids. Primadonnas is what you have and they call themselves football players. The real football players were the 70's throwback HS players..I refuse to see this guy Joe Amats point....there were some big boys back in the day that would tear these new kids up....for a older person I think you really need to rethink how you have come up with this thinking of yours. Ok there are some good players out there but to think that they would outplay and out manuver the 70's players is completly crazy....maybe you have a grandson that plays and so do I but I would not put him in that category of better then some of players of the 70's...I even tell him about those days...he dont give a sh--...he thinks he is a bad a-- and he is not.....I also told him those 70's players would have knocked his teeth out..he still dont believe me...but thats todays kid...spoiled and pompous.

Joe,
I would have to tear up my entire garage to find that old year book .Just do not have the time. Reading what Haden said makes a clear point. Practice makes perfect. When you have lemons you make lemonade. Being the passer that he was is why we passed 30 times a game just like a team with a great running back like Blair did with MCallister, will run that many times. I am sure guys like Salter,Keating,Lee Garcia ,Vernisi,Cromwell, would measure up to todays players if not tower over them, not Dan but he out power them. As for the basketball game in question I was definitely there. The good old days.

Joe Amat

Your last two post were two of the best post that I have read on this blog. See people you can write good post with out bashing these kids or there schools.

Joe keep them coming.

Actually, I'm positive that those guys would give the same answer that I gave. I have specifically asked two of them what they think. They agree. A couple have actually said so on TV for all to hear when comparing athletes across eras. They'd lose all credibility if they did not concede that point.

They are honest because they don't have anything to prove. They made it to the highest level and are the 1st to say that todays players are better *athletes*. Look at simple genetics. Haden, Sciarra and McDonald all have son's that are very similiar to them in body type and athleticism, yet were recently very average players in comparison- against other *athletes* of today. Most recently Sciarra's son ended up having a good season at Wagner after not cutting the mustard at UCLA, and McDonalds son held PATs at USC. Neither were scholarship players.

To show some support for what I said before, In an article about Haden and McKay, Gil Brandt, longtime vice president and director of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys said on NFLHS.com ,
"They were 20 years ahead of their time,. "First, they had good timing. The second thing was that a lot of people didn't know how to defend the passing game. They brought in a different concept of passing in which the routes they ran were far superior to what other people in the country were doing at that time. It was like the Internet vs. the typewriter.
"We were throwing 30-35 times a game," Haden recalled. "Most teams then were throwing 10-12 times a game. We were blessed, because people's defenses weren't quite ready for what we were doing.
"We practiced so much and spent so much time together. I just loved practicing. Every night from mid-June through mid-August, I would get players together - mostly skill-position guys - and we'd work out from 5:30 until 7:30. We'd run pattern after pattern. Life was a lot simpler then."

Not that they were any bigger, stronger, faster, or more athletic than the opponents. The same article said that they both ran a 4.6 40. Are there many elite recievers that now run a 4.6? Would a 4.6 even get a reciever recruited by a DI School?

Great football players of their time...asbsolutely. Great *athletes* in comparison with the top athletes of today - I still say no way.

And 73, Take a look at that brown, leather Tusitala of yours and reflect on the team photos - then compare them with how players look today. But the real important things were different then, as Haden said above. And that's what made us better. We trusted each other and refused to let each other down. On or off the field. We worked hard because the guys next to us deserved our best. And we would go to battle with them to preserve what we believed in. Then we'd support the other teams - and they'd do the same. And speaking of St Paul, we'd clear the bleachers and rush the floor to back up Charlie Jennings when slimey swordsmen Mark Felix used some, let's say, inappropriate language during a basketball game when guarding Charlie (one of the few African-American players in the Angelus League). Were you there fopr that one?

Joe Amat,

Ask Sciarra , McKay, McDonald and Haden that question and they will give you a totally different answer......

Joe Amat,
Joe I think they got you on this one. I would take any of the 69,70,71 teams we had and put them up against anybody and I am sure we would definitly come out on top . Other than the mentioned Haden,McKay,Sciarra there were plenty of others, huge offensive lines and quick defenses not to mention the Bombers of the special teams.

Read my lips,

"...not school specific..."

Nowhere in ANY post did I even imply that this years amat *team* is in any way compared to those of the past. Quite the contrary. However, this years *team* also has to compete against other schools of *this era*. Those schools also have better athletes than their teams in the '70's. Not many 5'9" 160 lb linebackers on the rosters of any really good teams anymore.

Don't get me wrong - Pat was great, and he and JK were a great tandem. Sciarra was a tremendous athlete for his day. He'd play shortstop on the baseball team and go win the 100 yd dash in a home track meet in during the game. Shoot Paul McDonald was pretty good QB a few years after that.

But take those players, *athletically* - which is how the discussion started, and they do not stack up against the best *athletes* of today. If you can argue against that - you are delusional. (Remember the initial statement that I disagreed with "...past players who played hard knock football on pure athletic ability and pure natural enhanced body strength...") If there were SPARQ test back then there would be NO comparison to the scores of today.

That being said, football games are not played on the track, in the weightroom, or using SPARQ tests. Which is why I also mentioned the importance of , "mental toughness, work ethic, confidence, commitment, and all of those other qualities that players of that day may have had over the typical player of today.

Now read that again before you respond. If you need help, scroll down and read previous posts on this thread so you know what has been said and how to respond - intelligently.

Hey that's right...I totally forgot...when a Division 3 school has on it's schedule El Rancho and Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary (and they are a real titantic power), it doesn't get any better than that....

Get a life

Next year is even worse. They are replacing El Rancho with who? Oh yeah, South Hills. Just when I though they were trying to upgrade their schedule.....

"St. Paul will beat So. Hills. This year and next year. Div. 3 vs. a Div. 6.......come on SH is not that good. See last years collapse to CO. When push comes to shove they lay down and are nowhere to be found. Look at the schedule St. Paul plays and loook at the schedule So. Hills plays. Come on beating up the likes of Walnut, Nogales and Rowland?....where as St. Paul plays Chaminade, Amat and Crespi not to mention St. Francis...no comparison.....SH is living in their past glory...They do have a good team this year with the addition of Wells but who do they play?...when they come up against a good team they will get whacked....La Habra is going to do a number on them in week 2 @ La Habra. La Habra beat them last year and will beat them this year."

Hey that's right...I totally forgot...when a Division 3 school has on it's schedule El Rancho and Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary (and they are a real titantic power), it doesn't get any better than that....

Get a life

The red hair dye I have will last longer then the day Amat sniffs the playoffs again.....Muntiny on the bounty for Verti.....Have you seen there freshman midget team.....no one over 5'4........Amat is in for a shock come next year......oh my! they are pathetic.....My son Bud has trasfered over to Los Altos.

Joe Amat,

Let me know when when Iglesias, Lenhart or Mclenehan break Pat Hadens records. Also let me know when frankie lopez or even the great dorian wells of SH break any of McKays records....then talk your BS.....also let me know when Amat gets to the playoffs with those "todays players" that are not doing diddly squat!........

Again - not really a school specific discussion we are having.

Let's spin it your way. Are these 3 QB's (now 2) at South Hills anywhere close to Brian Bethke from the '74 team. Could the South Hills teams of today line up with those teams of yesteryear.

Regardless of your answer - my opinion still remains the same. Athletes today in general- regardless of what school we are talking about-are more physically gifted than the best players of the "Al Bundie era"

Now do we agree?

AGAIN THIS TOPIC IS SOUTH HILLS QB LEAVES AND YOU JOKERS FROM AMAT TAKE OVER THIS BLOGG ABOUT AMAT, IT MAKES ME SICK TO HEAR YOU BOTH TALK ABOUT WHOS BETTER THAN WHO FROM AMAT. YOU GUYS NEED YOUR OWN FRIGGIN BLOGG SO YOU CAN DISCUSS AMAT AND HOW GREAT THEY ARE... I BET EVEN THE PLAYERS FROM AMAT ARE ASHAME TO READ ALL THIS TRASH THAT YOU OLD FARTS TALK ABOUT YOUR TIME HAS PAST LET IT GO.... DAM LET THE SEASON START. YOU OLD GUYS REMIND ME OF A BOUNCH OF AL BUNDIES....

OK Percy,

The initial discussion wasn't specific to a particular school/team but a response to,
"...Back then that's when it was real football played. Hard knocks and pride in playing for your school. Todays kids could not hang with those teams of the 70's....all we have now is all these so called wannabe players..."

Let the amat players for the last 6 or 7 years play for Phil Cantwell, Gary Marinovich, or Dennis McLaughlin and things might be a little different on campus. Have them influenced by veteran coaches like Tate Duff, Jim Patricio, Bob Woods, Joe Rodger, Mark Paredes and Tom Salter all the time and attitudes might change. THAT is what is missing on campuses today. Parents may not try to have as much influence because the instant respect would be there. No reason to switch schools if you are playing for the best. amat would not be battling the aforementioned Farrar/Bogan/Gano era

Growing up at that time was different too. Societal changes create different kinds of players today, which speaks to my comment about mental toughness, work ethic, commitment, etc. But present day athletes win the "look-test" in pre-game without a doubt.

It is simply impossible to compare athletes from different eras. Some players may transcend time, but who knows if Bill Russell could deal with Shaq's size and strength. Would Boyd Dowler be a Pro-bowler for todays Green Bay Packers? Could Ty Cobb or Rogers Hornsby hit .400 against todays pitchers? No way.

So JA,...JOE AMAT OR OTHER?

You would take your present day Lancer team (and I will give you Wells) and say they would beat that Pat Haden JK McKay team?....I would beg to differ if your answer is yes....it does not matter what they look like now or what they looked like when they played HS ball. The fact is they got it done and were as you sya ahead of their time....last time I checked Pat Hadens records and JK' McKays records are still in the book?...tell me who has come close to them?...let see Carrillo of last year?...Robles?...Lange?...Shane Russell?...now Lenhart?....I am surprised that you of all people being part of one of those banners in SAC would say todays players are better....No way!...

Master P.
Was a banner contributor myself-so I may have a relatively decent perspective. Been there.

Your argument is the easy one to make, and believe me, would benefit me greatly if I were to agree - but I simply don't.

Big Blue said, "...past players who played hard knock football on pure athletic ability and pure natural enhanced body stregth..."

Pure athletic ability? Pure natural enhanced body strength?

The 3 jerseys that hang from the 70's are Haden, McKay, and Sciarra. Have you ever stood next to any of them? I have. All three. That is not how I would describe any of them.

Next time you see an Atlanta Falcon press conference (and you'll see plenty) take a look at the GM Rich McKay. Yes the Amat graduate Rich McKay - and JK's younger brother. That was pretty much, what John looked like.

Pure athletic...? No. Hard workers, technicians, skilled, confident, metally tough, ahead of their time - maybe

Joe Amat the older you get the more senile and stupid you get....If you are a Amat person go look in your hall of fame and tell me about those 70's banners and players that hang on the wall......I dont see or am going to see any Amat team coming close to that in the near future or lately......your players at Amat today could not carry those 70's players jocks.

Outdated,

The San Diego Chargers and Lyle Alzado?...we are talking HS football players here not the NFL....The seroids of the Chargers and Alzado's era were not touching the HS football circuit yet.....notice how I said yet......and if for a slight chance they were, it was a very few that were taking them....The hits and people laid out in the 70's does not compare to the football of today...Al smoke and mirrors today.....QB clinics and special camps of today........heck 70's players played on pure natural ability and your right mental toughness back then (see the hard hits and kids who played with pain)...today little Johnny get a nail pull and it is off for two weeks.......

just so you know, DEEN is spelled "two ee's and no a" by the way, his lil bro is probally gonna be the frosh qb this year.

and, which "justrab" is that, mike or bob?
look at the name, remember me:) lol

to bad there's no more charley browns to hang out at anymore, unless we go to montebello

"The older I get the better I was". Right?

I'd love to agree about the old-school players, but generally I've gotta say that the present day athlete is more physically gifted. Remember that all of those records that still stand were also set *against* other players who may have been inferior also. It's all relative. I go back to the story I've told here about the gnarly linebacker that I thought was a beast when I was a freshmen, only to dwarf him at an alumni function years later.

Now if we want to debate mental toughness, that might be a different argument altogether.

"Big Blue"

Steroids were running rampant by the 70's in the NFL. Just ask Lyle Alzado. Oops, sorry he's dead.

How about the SD Chargers giving all their players anabolic steroids (pill form) with every meal as a "dietary supplement" in the 60's under head coach Sid Gillmans orders.

"Body building suppliments" are not a magic bullet. You still have to workout to build mass. Just ask your state governer, Arnold.

Whatever is available now, was available then, albeit in a more rudimentary form.

Outdated,
I am surprised you say such a thing. The talent level back then was far superior then todays. Check the record books, lot of the old records still stand and I am sure some are broken by todays players...lets talk players of past and present...Past players had weights and conditioned themself to the fullest.....Todays players have the GNC shops for muscle mass and body building suppliments not to mention Steroid use....Barry Bonds will break the record but is it a true normal body that did that?...uh! No!.......I am talking past players who played hard knock football on pure athletic ability and pure natural enhanced body stregth...those teams from Salesian, LA Wilson, Bishop Amat, St. Paul, LA Banning and Carson, those type players were just natural. Present players are enhanced, better padding, rule changes to protect QB's....it is watered down football. They break records sure they do but they would not have broken records if they played in the 70's...this could be a open debate for others and I am sure some see it your way but I know there are lots out there that see it the 70's way.

"Big Blue"

The old school team spirit may be gone from most today's athletes, but if you think that the players of yesteryear (1970's?) were better athletes than todays athletes, you've lost your mind.
I understand you're old (as am I), and it's a generational ego thing, but the athletes of today are better than years past, and future players will be better than todays.
If it weren't true than the names in the record books wouldn't keep changing.

Justrab / Dan,

Back then that's when it was real football played. Hard knocks and pride in playing for your school. Todays kids could not hang with those teams of the 70's....all we have now is all these so called wannabe players tranferring if the situation is not right for them at their present school instead of sticking it out and playing....lots of rule changes as far as free agency for kids to go where they want and to showcase their skills on a winner if their neighborhood school does not have a decent team... it was not like that back in the 70's...you came, you played ,you won, you lost and those were tough battles.....today it is about what dad is not happy so he tranfers his kid......I guess it is like that due to Colleges handing out Schollies like candy......

Dan,

Point taken, yes South Hills played a great game in the "fog bowl" in 1974 and ended up ranked in the top 5 nationally. However, being an old Valley Vista guy I always wondered how South Hills removed itself from the Sierra League in the late 70's when they had two semi final visits in the 70's and a number of other visits to the playoffs in the old 4AAAA days. They should not have been allowed to drop, but as I recall one principal head of the CIFSS. Old school news, but South Hills and to an extent Los Altos should be in D2. Added Triva, if anyone thinks Amat is bad now, between 1975 and 1980 they had no CIF visits, but in the year St. Paul played Los Altos in the 4AAAA finals they lost 13 to 6 to St Paul. The two schools always play tough even when one is week.

i have just one question concerning shhs...
once Dean leaves who take over? you said his senior year will be a rebuilding but rebuilding for who? what there freshman this year look like?

Justrab,
That was interesting trivia on South Hills & West Covina & Edgewood, I was living in Whittier back then so I didn't follow West Covina at the time. I also didn't realize they were that strong in those days, There is one thing I have to disagree with & that is that South Hills does
have some fond memories of 4a football, in 1974
they won the CIF 4A championship game with a 20 to 12 win over St.John Bosco.

Give me an example of this so called "hype" you accuse me of doing about this upcoming season...

There is only one bluorca so you better be accurate...

I'll wait.

"Your right let the games begin.....screw all the BS and may the best team represent. If Amat falls on their keester like everyone predicts it will not come as a surprise.......The heavy hitters like SH, LA, Glendora and CO are the ones that have to step up and prove all of their button wearers were right...and if not this blog is going to have them for lunch and dinner.......Amat is supposed to go down the toilet early......."

Yep, there is a lot of pressure on some of those schools to deliver to the hype. If Amat jells as a team and delivers a good seaason despite all the issues they have faced and does it quietly and does it on the field then I'll be the first to congratulate them. But if Orca, MTW and others continue to hype and pound the drum and Amat does not deliver as hyped then I'll be the first in line to take my shots. :)

Anti-Amat,

Your right let the games begin.....screw all the BS and may the best team represent. If Amat falls on their keester like everyone predicts it will not come as a surprise.......The heavy hitters like SH, LA, Glendora and CO are the ones that have to step up and prove all of their button wearers were right...and if not this blog is going to have them for lunch and dinner.......Amat is supposed to go down the toilet early.......

"I was told by some players that the Amat coaches, Verti and Adamek that played on the last championship team for Amat were told that year that they would go 3-7...one never knows what team can show up. It is not about the star stud players (they do help) but it is about how a TEAM plays together and jells.....you get the right combination with a team and unlock it, it can surprise allot of teams and it could do damage."

Well said. This board is filled with too many myopic button wearers and all their BS.

Just shut up and play, right?

St. Paul versus South Hills...hmmm

Yes, I believe the last time they met was one of the last years South Hills played in the Big Five (4AAAA at the time) in the Semi Finals. South Hills lost and St. Paul went on to play Los Altos in the finals (1977) which I believe Los Altos won. A bit of Trivia Los Altos only loss (bad) was to West Covina in the old Siera League (Los Altos, West Covina, Edgewood, Wilson, Rowland and South Hills.)

South Hills dropped to 3A the next year (Valle Vista) and had something like 10 league championships. The Sierra itself was lowered to 3A in 1981 although they still were competitive. The enrollments for most of they SGV old Sierra League schools are within 10% of their 4A days so I don't know how we accept that SGV schools should play in such a low division IV and V. West Covina is almost twice as large when it was in 4AAAA and has all of West Covina. Had West Covina had Edgewoods speed in the 70's they would have ruled the Big 5.

More trivia...Bogan was at Edgewood (assistant) in 1977 in one of the few years that they made the playoffs only to be blown out by the beast fromt he east (Fontucky).

I don't think that South Hills has fond memories of 4A or St. Paul as they got a little beat up in that game.

out

I was told by some players that the Amat coaches, Verti and Adamek that played on the last championship team for Amat were told that year that they would go 3-7...one never knows what team can show up. It is not about the star stud players (they do help) but it is about how a TEAM plays together and jells.....you get the right combination with a team and unlock it, it can surprise allot of teams and it could do damage.

I think for anyone that understands foothball the first 2 games are usually the barometer on what the weaknesses are and what are the strengths. Those games are usually the measuring stick to what needs to be worked on. They usually set the tone for the year. No one is saying they have to win but a good showing is what is warranted by the Amat faithful. I am sure they will get better as the year progresses.

I dont believe that Amat should base too much emphasis on the first two games. I've seen teams come out steaming and then plunder in the end.

They should take it game by game with the emphasis to work hard and get better for each game.

Amat could come out and lose both games and then thunder at the end. Or they could come out and surprise everybody for all their hard work, win the first two and barely do well the rest.

Indicator, I think not. They will get better, just give them a lot hard time.

Ah yes the SP vs Lancer Rivalry, been watching the rivalry since 83 and let me tell you Sports Illustrated hit the nail on the head as it was billed as one of the biggest HS Rivalry in the Nation (next to Garfield/Roosevelt rivalry).

Throw out all the W-L records, you will witness some hard hitting, a very physical and far from a friendly game. Best money $5 will buy for pure entertainment.

St. Paul will beat So. Hills. This year and next year. Div. 3 vs. a Div. 6.......come on SH is not that good. See last years collapse to CO. When push comes to shove they lay down and are nowhere to be found. Look at the schedule St. Paul plays and loook at the schedule So. Hills plays. Come on beating up the likes of Walnut, Nogales and Rowland?....where as St. Paul plays Chaminade, Amat and Crespi not to mention St. Francis...no comparison.....SH is living in their past glory...They do have a good team this year with the addition of Wells but who do they play?...when they come up against a good team they will get whacked....La Habra is going to do a number on them in week 2 @ La Habra. La Habra beat them last year and will beat them this year.

"Rumor becomes reality..Saint Paul vs. South Hills week 5 2008"

Have these 2 teams ever met before?

"OK all of you St. Paul fans, rumor from 645 S. Barranca St. is that South Hills has contacted both St. Paul and Mater Dei with the distinct possibility of playing them next season...the week of the game has not been determined, but if SH plays St. Paul....should be a very interesting game.

Rumor becomes reality..Saint Paul vs. South Hills week 5 2008

With the slime coming to the dump it sounds like a stinky game. With all the money these Private schools ask for and one is slime and one is a dump......go figure?

Just asking ,
Yes that is our beloved Kiefer Stadium. It serves the purpose and if you have never been to a game there take my advise and make sure you go to the sp game and witness what a high school rivalery is all about. Make sure you get there early.

I smell Slime and its only mid-July! The Pit must be leaking again!

The Dawgs vs. the Slime is going to be an awesome game. Throw out records, divisions, the past, etc. On Amat's homecoming night, battle between bitter rivals will ensue...for the 39th time!

Now where did I leave my Lysol? =)

Photos of Lancer Legends Football Camp are at...

www.bishopamat.org/football

*note* You have to click on the " >> more" tab directly below the group photo.

Ditto on day one its we can struggle but dont lose to Amat. lol All my neighbors went to Amat and we have been to the game together the last couple of years its been a good time (not for me though). I am hoping we can come out of there with a W! it will be a packed house.

Just asking,

It is the dump on the campus that is named Keifer Stadium....But for a dump this place gets packed like no other.......Road games Amat packs stadiums......ask SP what that attendance looked like last year...standing room only........

"Kiefer Stadium"

Is this the bleachers-on-one-side dump that is on campus, or is there some nice off campus stadium you amaters play at?

SGV Pride,

We also hate the SLIME and it is all in good competitive nature. This years game is going to be a good one seeing it is homecoming and all at Keifer that nite. What a better way for St. Paul to spoil the party. No one knows at this point what either team has or how the injury report shakes out leading into this game. Last year being game one everyone was tight and it was played in the PIT...Grigsby was all over the place and Amat just squeeked it out. St. Paul had added some new players from different schools and Amat has lost some key players but do not seemed too bothered by it because some juniors have stepped in and look good out there, but that is still a guess come a real game situation same I am sure holds true for the Swordsmen. It will be a battle. May the best team on that nite win.....Our young men from day one of Freshman football are taught never to lose to St. Paul.

Being a SP supporter believe it or not I live in the SGV and hate Amat (jokingly) as I went to SP but I would really like them to do well. It is something public schools will never understand the respect that and the good banter that goes on between all the parochial schools. We can sit here all day and have a pissing contest but no one will really know how good there team is until the season starts. Anyway alot of my Amat buddies are looking forward to the war at Kiefer. I am sure it will be a dandy. Any takes on that one? Please just football talk not here for a pissing contest.

It does not matter with the haters of Amat Football, they are what they are. It just seems like for a team like Amat that is hated by so many why is it that we pack our stadiun like no other in the SGV come our home games on Friday nites. Win or lose this team and all the teams before them have a following of fans boosters and alumni. The support of the SGV comes out to Kiefer Stadium and watches this Amat team play even on a bad year, this HS team has followers and that goes for something. People of all generations flock to Amat on Friday nites. This is what the haters hate about Amat. This is D1 football and thats the closest you are going to get to a college game come friday nites in the SGV. Heck their band is small and not even worth a lick but people keep coming to watch their football team play. Go to a Los Altos game or go to a CO or SH game then come to a Amat game...Big Differance.

At first I was amazed and not very happy to see all of the Amat haters come out of their holes, so many of them, such short time... a bit surprised since this blog first emerged. Looking at the brighter side of things this could work out in their favor....more fuel to proof all the hate mongers and critics wrong....so Lancer FB players just play Lancer Football and win with class, just win baby!

SGV Pride you could not have said it any better than that. First two games is the true indicator of Amats season. In comparison to other players of the past and the statemnt of Amat Skilled players and mediocre it is true there is no Minor or McCutchen on the team but then again most around most campuses are mediocre. So it will be mediocre vs mediocre. There are some good one out there but not really much as far as SGV is concerned. A playoff round for Amat this year is a giant step in the right direction and a huge accomplishment for this coaching staff based on having mediocre players.

Funny how you mention Kory and Daylon ran into them last week and said that Amat was struggling keepingkids and that the players as far as skill level were mediocre in comparison to years past. Kory bought a Dominos Pizza place out in the IE, right on. Anyhow all they had to say that the first 2 games of the season will tell all. It looks to be a trying season this year. It well definitley be up to the coaching staff. you never know Amat might surprise alot of people and that would be a good thing.

With all the Hype surrounding SH as the State champion and LA as the recruiting team of the year and Amat as the doormat for all to step on. Amat is going to surprise allot of the haters, gossipers and critics. Most think this team is done before they even take the field and that is all speculation. Amat has a strong and healthy and talented group this year. The coaching did do a about face from last year and the staff has also brought in some alumnis from the past to come in and work with this team.. Kory Minor, Daylon McCutchen, Chris Rix, plus coach Taylor have all had a hand in this team somewhere along the line this year and the Kids are developing into some real hungry players. It is a matter of time before Amat turns it around and this is the year they will do it.

For people to say that Amat will never be the same in the SGV, I have to totally agree with you. Amat will never be the same, and I don't think they should aim to be the way they were. Instead, I believe they will be better. If they keep this current staff together for the next few years, I believe they will go beyond peoples expectations. They are very fiery staff, that has improved a lot in one year. They have brought in some legit veterans that also know football. The way the were last year to this year is completely different. Trust me, I've been at Amat a few times watching spring and summer practice. They have nade strides.

As far as SH vs Amat goes next year. It will never happen. That I can tell you. Its just like hoping for Los Altos vs Amat, it will never happen. So, lets squash the talk now and know these teams will not face off next year.

SHHS wants a part of St. Paul and Mater Dei next year?...why did they not do it this year?...as far as next year SH will have no one there with all the studs graduating..they will get killed. Next year is their rebuilding and they are not in a position to play Mater Dei with Barkley returning as a senior....play Amat it is safer for you SH.

Tournament of Champions,

I believe you're talking about the SP Defensive Coordinator Gil Jimenez. He's what I call "old school". He brings a ton of passion and the kids absolutely love him. He's probably the best X's & O's guy on the staff.

Sh FTB Fan,

Amat has some openings next year. Will they get a call?

"OK all of you St. Paul fans, rumor from 645 S. Barranca St. is that South Hills has contacted both St. Paul and Mater Dei with the distinct possibility of playing them next season...the week of the game has not been determined, but if SH plays St. Paul....should be a very interesting game."

I've heard that St. Paul does have some openings for next year as they are finishing up some 2 year contracts this year. I'd love to see either team on the schedule for next year.

OK all of you St. Paul fans, rumor from 645 S. Barranca St. is that South Hills has contacted both St. Paul and Mater Dei with the distinct possibility of playing them next season...the week of the game has not been determined, but if SH plays St. Paul....should be a very interesting game.

Stay tuned!!!!!

Hi

I have no vested interest in Amat or St. Paul. Amat, for whatever the reason, will never get back to the dominance they once owned in the SGV. They can return to being a solid traditional power, but their era of SGV dominance is probably over. As for St. Paul I got the chance to watch them at Santa Fe on Saturday. They need to take a class on sportsmanship. There coach said during stretching that, "Our goal today is to get kicked out of this tournament for being to physical!" This same coach just bellowed all day long. Bitching about officiating, bitching at his players, etc. I swear you'd have thought he was on a stage performing. Not knowing St. Paul I assumed it was their new coach. I was relieved to find out he is only an assistant coach... maybe the DC. The head coach needs to get a hold of this guy and let him know that he isn't playing any longer and that he isn't the show. I went to watch some football and instead got to watch this guy embarrass himself, his team & his school. As for how St. Paul looked? Their linemen finished in the top 5 in only 3 events (Obstacle Course & Jump Rope being 2 them)... Hardly dominating. To be honest I couldn't stand their coach screaming like a little kid so I didn't hang around much to watch their skill players.

Nobody in Lancerland especially those of us who have strapped on the helmet underestimate St. Paul. But to tell those SP Guys the truth, you are not on our minds right now. We are focusing one week at a time. Good Luck in your preseason.

And you SP guys talk about reloading? Your coaching staff saw the talent returning and decided to recruit their a**es off. I know I''d be pissed if I saw them do that do my team my senior year of football.

"People talk about being on a decline. St. Paul is horrible this year. Talk about Aubrey Hayes or the new transfer from SH and even with that they will not beat Amat. There D-line is small and will get its ass kick by Amats front O-line. St. paul is trying to get back to where they once were but not this year....They did not do too bad in the playoffs last year and that surprised me but they lost some players and they are not reloading that fast.."

You obviously have not seen them play this year. They are returning 18 of 22 starters and they have already filled those holes with quality players.

St. Paul handled bigger O Lines than Amat's last year and this year will be no exception.

I guess you guys of any school should know about losing players and reloading. How many players have you lost?

St. Paul will beat Amat this year and will go to the playoffs while the Lancers stay home AGAIN.

People talk about being on a decline. St. Paul is horrible this year. Talk about Aubrey Hayes or the new transfer from SH and even with that they will not beat Amat. There D-line is small and will get its ass kick by Amats front O-line. St. paul is trying to get back to where they once were but not this year....They did not do too bad in the playoffs last year and that surprised me but they lost some players and they are not reloading that fast..

Amat 35
SP 14

Response 2: Humane Society

Micheal Vick is just another example of an athlete that went from rags to riches and not knowing how to handle his new life style as a professional athlete.

If the allegations, evidences, and criminal charges, are correct he would do some time in the big-house if those crimes were heard in other states other then California.

Unfortunately, the criminal justice system is different here in California then in other states. Some states more then others hold higher stakes upon being convicted of felony charges. In those states the convicted receive more severe sentencing and naturally end up doing more prison time.

In California for instance, a person might get a lighter sentence due to his or her non-criminal past. First time felony convictions might earn a person a trip to serve county jail time opposed to prison time.

In other instances, one might recieve a sentence that would include a dollar amount pay-back in a form of restitution, coupled with community service and months of felony summary probation.

The reality is that "Cruelity to Animals" might be the most outrageous crime a human being could commit.

For this he'll need to resurrect "Johnny Cochran" to guide him thru the legal system.

In the end, (if found guilty as charged) I would expect the NFL to never allow Vick the opportunity to represent any professional jersey in this country.

FYI: Just my opinion

PLAID-LAD

Football Insider
Spoken like a true swordsman. SP has never given us anything , we take from them as has always been. Maybe your a little dizzy from breathing the fumes from all that cow manure or contaminated ground around your area . We will see you at the car wash on Washington and Pickering where you always hold your class reunions.

Reply to humanesociety.

RE: Where exactly did you find out all this info? If this is true, I hope he is locked up for life. If not, you should be.

To answer question,

2004- Did Not play
2005- 14-7 SP
2006- 26-23 Amat
2007-?

Hey what is your take on the Mike Vick allegations?

I don't know if many of you understand the sheer size and involvement of the dog-fighting coumpound in Vick's yard. Investigators uncovered a large criminal enterprise that revolved around brutal and severe torture of dogs, all stemming to Vick's "Bad Newz Kennels" operation. All of the evidence was found on Vick's property. From the arena where hundreds gathered to fight the dogs, to the mass graveyards, to the kennels where over 60 tortured and beaten pitbulls were found living in horrible conditions

Some of what was found and learned of the operation:

* Dozens of dead decaying dogs were found in a shed and buried
* Leather whips were used to severely and routinely beat the dogs to increase their anger
* Mulitple forms of growth hormones were found that were injected into the dogs
* "Rape Stands" were found to force breeding
* The dogs who lost were killed by pouring water on them and electrocuting them to death. Others were drowned, hanged or shot

Vick deserves to go to jail and never play another down of football!

SPloyal is posing as a sp guy that is funny!

4 turnovers did Sp in. So stop fooling yourself kid. Get this SP is stronger than last year and you guys have the weakest team in Amat history. It will be 35-7 SP at least. 26-23 is hardly handing anything to SP they gave you that game consider it a gift.. Amat will shine my car at the car wash on willow and amar. Funny how 2 amt grads work there. Nice ed...

After a conversation this weekend with the QB's family that transfered from SH to SP, the reason given to me was for "a better educational opportunity"!
What a CROC! If thats the case, why isn't his sister transfering along with him or why did both of them go to SH in the first place!
After a week, we are already sick of "Dad" talking his son up. Is there any way we can give him back! Thanks for the headache SH!

Football Insider
I don't know inside what football you are looking at but we will beat the swordsmen. It does not matter what the senior class did when they were freshmen or sophmores because when they hit varsity last year as juniors they got it handed to them as they will this year. As for anonymous, if saying we will beat st paul means being a button wearer then send me mine because on that night AMAT WILL SHINE. This something you cannot understand not being a LANCER.

What were the scores of the senior classes when they played each other.

2004-
2005-
2006-
2007-your prediction

what the #&!! was that ?

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July 17, 2007
SEMI-BREAKING NEWS: South Hills soph QB leaves, likel