Best rivalries?
These aren't necessarily the best traditional rivalries, but the best rivalries in the San Gabriel Valley today.
1. Bonita-San Dimas - There is real emotion in this. Even in down years, the Smudge Pot is a huge game and draws thousands of fans. This year should be one of the best ever, with two teams capable of competing for CIF championships in their respective divisions. By the way, I'm going with Bonita at home in '08.
2. South Hills-West Covina - This was a good rivalry that became a great rivalry when West Covina beat South Hills for a CIF title a few years back. South Hills is usually the favorite, but the Bulldogs always play them tough.
3. Los Altos-Charter Oak - This slips from No. 1 to No. 3 with the departure of Gano. I loved the Farrar-Gano side story, and now that L.A. may slip from the area's elite, it's still a huge game, but not worthy of our top two.
4. Glendora-Damien - The perfect public vs. private league rivalry. Or is Glendora a private disguising itself as a public? No, that would be South Hills, L.A. or COak? Just kidding guys. Having said that, this is a much better game at Damien. I haven't warmed up to Citrus yet, wish Glendora had its own stadium.
5. Northview-Covina - It's one of the dreamy games at the District Field every year. There's a lot of history, it's usually for the Valle Vista League title and lets face it, they don't like each other that much. And now that the VVL is in the Mid-Valley Division, the league's elite could meet deep in the playoffs too.
Comments
Azusa and gladstone? baaa haaa. do they still have football teams?
Posted by: they still have teams? | July 21, 2008 11:40 PM
Ye should also check out the Rosemead-Arroyo rivalry as well.
Posted by: From the Mission Valley to the South Hills | July 21, 2008 1:35 AM
Okay, I know it is not the highest caliber football games because both teams are not very talented. But, the Azusa and Gladstone games are always a lot of fun. They tend to be quite competitive and both teams play with a great deal of passion.
Posted by: Henry Puente | July 20, 2008 9:11 AM
For the San Gabriel Valley and anyone else....the Roosevelt/Garfield game is crazy! People have been going to this game for YEARS and fill ELAC EVERY YEAR.
You will see great grandparents all the way down to elementary school kids take part.
Some families have kids and spouses from 'each" school and that adds to the fun and family intensive rivalry.
Go to one of these games and all you'll hear is..."HEY>>>I THOUGHT IT WAY YOU!!! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN?" Hugs all around, great rivalry ON the field and the usual off field activities that make this the BIGGEST RIVALRY THIS SIDE OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
Posted by: Roosevelt / Garfield | July 17, 2008 9:25 AM
The game that I and all my fellow Charger fans look(ed) forward to was the Glendora game. That was the game that had the most energy and excitement. Not sure of all the details that lead to Glendora bowing out, but it's a damn shame.
Glad to hear many good reports about the Azusa Aztecs. Gladstone better be ready this year or they may get their butts handed to them.
Posted by: Dano | July 17, 2008 8:38 AM
AZUSA will win the league this year! What i've notice in the passing league, they can play with anybody. Gladstone will lose this year.
The boosters will have the AZTECS dancers this year at Citrus College game against gladstone.
Can't lose with all that AZTEC MAGIC BABY!
AZTEC PRIDE!
Posted by: AZTEC PARENT | July 17, 2008 7:47 AM
Duarte and monrivia
citys right next to each. big rio hondo league vs lil montview league. these schools HATE each other. this is one of the best rivals in the area!
Posted by: d | July 17, 2008 4:16 AM
down down the saints are going down say what down down the saints are going down say what
were ready for u this year niko still ur main object
Posted by: bearcat faithful | July 17, 2008 12:29 AM
Diamond Bar won't play Diamond Ranch because of the fear of losing players. It is a shame because it could be a great local/city rivalry. Diamond Ranch is willing to play Bishop AMat and losing possible players and we are playing who??? It is a shame! It was only a decade ago that we were winning CIF rings. DBHS wake up! The players are already leaving for DR! Maybe if you play them we can retain some of our own guys.
Posted by: DBAR | July 16, 2008 10:35 PM
The La Puente-Workman rivalry is pretty intense. The schools are separated nearly a walking distance away (probably less than one mile). Usually, these games appear meaningless. The bragging rights that you have over your neighbors and/or childhood buddies are priceless.
Posted by: LPAlum | July 16, 2008 8:44 PM
Conq76,
I hear what your saying and personally was just making the point and to clarify and be more specific hopefully but maybe not this year immediately but in the very near future say no less than several years we will win under Felipe's leadership and our program will be where we have always been traditionally a top tier football program. What's interesting is Gano knew who he was hiring and Aguilar understands what changes he has to make too. Regardless, I wish DeSpain was around to continue to mentor. How about answering my question FredJ! Why did you ignore my comments that I posted..?
Posted by: Conqueror Pride | July 16, 2008 7:41 PM
How about the Azusa vs Gladstone rivalry. This has been going on for 43 years. They are located in the same district only 2 miles away from each other. I know we are not competitive with the elite, but this is the best rivalry around.
Posted by: Montview Rep | July 16, 2008 6:10 PM
cant wait until Oct.10 Im already fired up.
GO SAINTS!!!
Posted by: SD John | July 16, 2008 3:20 PM
bearcat faithful
You guys should be better this year, but SD is loaded without alot more weapons this year.
We'll keep the pot shined for you to look at!
See you soon!
Posted by: GO SD | July 16, 2008 2:15 PM
hey GO SD
id hate to break it 2 u but the smudgepots comming back to the better school Bonita ur gonna be good this year but where gonna be better
Posted by: bearcat faithful | July 16, 2008 12:50 PM
Conqueror Pride
You and I are biased and I would be surprised if any writer worth his salt, would go on the word of people who have a "personal relationship" with a first year coach as to that years potential. I hope LA surprises us and competes in every game.
But on the same note, if policemen took the word of every perps mom, "He's a good boy!" because mom has a personal relationship with him, where would we all be?! LOL!
Posted by: Conq76 | July 16, 2008 12:24 PM
the south hills northview game this year will be huge! the trash that was talked yesterday was comical. northview looked good but i think the dawgs will out hit them and take away any hopes NV has in the first quarter and blow the vikings out. good luck to both teams it should be fun to watch
Posted by: just watch | July 16, 2008 12:08 PM
While Amat/St Paul is clearly the most attended/biggest/best/most intense rivalry I wouldn't count it as an SGV rivalry due to SP's location.
I miss the South Hills/Covina rivalry from the days when they were both in the VVL. For some reason it was more intense than the present Covina/NV game.
Posted by: Joe Amat | July 16, 2008 11:37 AM
Top Five SGV Rivalries + 1
1.Bonita and San Dima - The Smudge Pot, baby!
2.Covina and Northview - Hatfields and McCoys
3.Glendora and Charter Oak - Well, it ought to be. Flatlanders vs the Pride of the Foothills
4.Los Altos and Wilson - This one's seen better days
5.South Hills and West Covina - The battle for top dog of Cameron
6.Diamond Bar and Diamond Ranch - Another one the should be required
Posted by: Don | July 16, 2008 11:36 AM
a top 5 without amat? i never thought i would see the day. what kind of water are you drinking these days fred? lol
Posted by: must be the water | July 16, 2008 11:14 AM
How do you post the comment "I loved the Farrar-Gano side story" but refuse to elaborate on why? I too have respected the rivalry for years and would greatly appreciated any insightful and intriguing information you could share with us fans of the Miramonte league contingent. And please stop questioning Coach Aguilar's potential because those of us who have a personal relationship with him believe he's going to be very successful sooner than later..!
Posted by: Conqueror Pride | July 16, 2008 11:11 AM
If they ever agreed to play, South Hills and Bishop Amat would be quite a rivalry.
Posted by: FredJ | July 16, 2008 10:53 AM
Don't know if st paul would be considered SGV but it is the best there is to offer. Maybe the coming AMAT vs. WC will become somthing to look forward to every year or if LA or SH would step up those would be rivalries that would be hard to match .
Posted by: AMAT 73 | July 16, 2008 10:42 AM
what about Charter oak Vs. Glendora.? oh yeah i forgot Glendora doesnt want to play charter oak anymore for some special reason. most likely cause they got burned in the last play of the game and lost the mayors trophy, which resides at charter oak and most likely will until glendora man's up and signs a new contract with the chargers
Posted by: cohs | July 16, 2008 10:40 AM
No doubt BONITA - SAN DIMAS is the biggest football rivalry. LaVerne & San Dimas shared only 1 high school (Bonita) until 1959 (thanks BonitaSports.com) Since Bonita is like 100 years old, that makes it a unique rivalry as well.
But ANYTIME Glendora plays Damien, I don't care if it's badmiton, it's a HUGE game.
Posted by: Dan | July 16, 2008 10:07 AM
Fred:
We love being the underdog's..
Just gives us a little motivation for the boys..
The pot looks good in our lobby. We'll keep it shined up until then..
Posted by: GO SD | July 16, 2008 9:44 AM
Keep dreaming AMAT.
Posted by: Yeah right | July 16, 2008 9:37 AM
What about Bishop Amat-St. Paul, they drown all these rivalries.
Posted by: Amat | July 16, 2008 9:15 AM