Top Ten Preview: It's South Hills again
Even casual observers know that a preseason college football poll without USC, Ohio State or LSU is sort of like a San Gabriel Valley Tribune high school football poll without South Hills, Charter Oak, Los Altos or Bishop Amat.
At least that's the way it's been in recent years, but times are changing.
At this time last year Los Altos started at No. 3, but the Conquerors lost legendary coach Greg Gano, finished 4-6, and will not be in our preseason rankings for the first time time since the invention of cell phones or the internet.
Even Damien didn't crack our Top 10, which is not a slap at the Spartans program, but a sign that the parity in the San Gabriel Valley is on the rise.
South Hills, Diamond Ranch, Bonita, Charter Oak and West Covina all have legitimate shots at the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division title.
And we know this about Bishop Amat: Whether the Lancers finish 3-7 or 7-3, there's no arguing the boys in blue still face talent-rich programs, compete in the toughest division (Pac-5), and would whip the pants off most neighboring schools.
Now that you know the contenders, lets sort it all out.
1. South Hills (10-3)
What should have been Cameron Deen's greatest moment, is now his biggest motivation.
After El Dorado tied the Huskies, 17-17 with 1:08 left in last year's CIF-Southern Section Southwest Divisional semifinal, the South Hills quarterback led the Huskies on what appeared to be a game-winning drive in the final moments, except the Huskies missed a 23-yard field-goal attempt as time expired. El Dorado won in overtime, 23-17.
It was Deen's only loss as a starter (10-1), and he's carrying that bad taste into 2008. That's bad news for everyone else.
2. Bishop Amat (3-7)
This would have been a controversial choice at No. 2 if not for the hiring of coach Steve Hagerty, a proven winner with three CIF-SS titles on his resume.
Hagerty also gets rave reviers for assembling a staff that includes former La Salle head coach Ealar Gallagher, former Amat head coach Mike DiFiori, and a pair of notable alums named Rodney Sermons and Daylon McCutcheon.
3. Diamond Ranch (2-8)
Diamond Ranch's 2007 season was defined by an ineligible player that caused the Panthers to go from 7-3 to 2-8, thus missing the CIF-SS playoffs.
If they Panthers keep the paperwork in order in 2008, they will once again be fighting it out for the Miramonte League and Southeast Division championships.
4. Charter Oak (10-2-1)
Somewhat of a wild card after losing so many graduating seniors, but the meat and potatoes are back, and with coach Lou Farrar and his longtime staff, the Chargers figure to be in the mix again. Third-year starting quarterback Chris Allen and junior running back Adam Muema appear to be the best one-two quarterback/running back tandem in the Valley.
5. Bonita (6-5)
How many coaches would love to have a quarterback returning that threw for 2,140 yards and 21 touchdowns? That's Bearcats senior Terry Paradez, who has a pair of returning All-Miramonte League receivers back in seniors Dewayne Gatti and Derrick Price.
6. San Dimas (9-2)
How will San Dimas follow a 9-2 season that included a three-way share of the Valle Vista League title?
Perhaps with a CIF-SS championship in the newly formed Mid-Valley Division.
7. West Covina (6-6)
After a so-so season, are the Bulldogs back and equipped to go toe-to-toe with South Hills in 2008?
8. Glendora (9-3)
Following its first Sierra League title since 1993 and its 9-3 season and quarterfinal appearance in the Inland Division playoffs, it is going to be tough for a Tartans squad that graduated so many impact seniors, especially on the offensive and defensive lines.
9. Northview (7-4)
The Vikings certainly have a talented senior-laden group returning.
Expectations are huge because of third-year starting quarterback Oscar Robles.
10. So. El Monte (7-5)
The defending Mission Valley League champions return Tribune quarterback of the year Jose Garay along with Mission Valley League first-team receiver Manny Acosta.
Comments
Where is all the dranch fans at now? yall tucked yall tails!!!! That top corner yall have is not good! he got scored on a simple fade route, the on offense was locked by the corner and was picked off. Drancch tryed to put him in the backfield but that didn't work! OVERRATED!!!!! Yall didnt lose the game, the Stangs took it from yall!!! Muir had same amount of turnovers and penelaties so.... suck the lose up and stop crying!!!!!
Posted by: . | September 8, 2008 8:45 PM
Hi I'm reality donk, I am 50 years old, I'm white trailer trash, I'm atheist, I chew tobacco, I listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd, waive the confederate flag and I still attend Bishop Amat but too old to play football.
Now you know why I hate you guys, Baa Haa,
Yours truly,
Reality Donk
Posted by: correction | September 7, 2008 5:47 PM
Hi I'm donkey boy, I am 50 years old, I'm white trailer trash, I'm atheist, I chew tobacco, I listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd, waive the confederate flag and I still attend Charter Oak but too old to play football.
Now you know why I hate you guys, Baa Haa,
Yours truly,
Donkey boy
Posted by: Long Live Donkey Boy | September 7, 2008 2:52 PM
only in your warped mind. donk!!
Posted by: donk logic | September 6, 2008 11:59 PM
drop out of the top 10 for losing to the #30 team in the STATE late in the 4th quarter on a 4th and 23 hail mary by two D1 players? maybe they should move up!
Posted by: reality czech | September 6, 2008 11:36 PM
time to drop amat out of the top 10.
Posted by: out of the top 10 | September 6, 2008 11:17 PM
hey leo. the only place amat is going is in the toliet. can you flush??
Posted by: flush that amat toliet | September 6, 2008 10:49 PM
wow! you can read such hostily about Amat , but all of your ranking does not compare to Amat's D-1 schedule . Does any one see your powder puff schedule before all that ranting are you playing ranked teams week after week ,there is only a handfull of schools with a tuff schedules in SGV. Good luck to all stay healthy and strong and let your standings do all the ranking. Go Amat!
Posted by: Leo | September 5, 2008 11:24 PM
anytime anywhere
how about amat game tonight? baa haa another loss
Posted by: another loss | September 5, 2008 9:37 PM
Please stop with the Amat hate. Any time any of you sgv schools want to play put us on your schedule. Even when were bad we're still better than you period. Besides Damien, your coaches and A.D.'s want no part of Amat. D.R. and W.C. stepped up but only when we're down. I see you got comments about the J.V. squad, but none about the Frosh 34-0 win over Los Osos. If you aint gonna schedule us, keep Amat out of your mouth.
Posted by: AnyTimeAnyWhere | September 5, 2008 6:14 PM
YOU RANKED AMAT #2 IN THE SGV. . THEN YOU PREDICT THEM TO LOSE TO LOS OSO HIGH. I AGREE THAT LOS OSO WILL WILL TAKE A BITE OUT OF AMATS RETURN TONIGHT. STOP RANKING AMAT SO HIGHLY, THAT PROGRAM IS NO LONGER THE POWERHOUSE OF THE SGV. ONLY CHANCE FOR AMAT . . .LET THEIR NEW COACHES PLAY. . . HOPEFULLY AFTER TONIGHT YOU DUMMIES AT THE TRIBUNE SPORTS DEPT WILL FOCUS ON WELL DESERVING FOOTBALL TEAMS.
Posted by: HI SKOOL F.B FAN. . . | September 5, 2008 4:46 PM
looks like the JV has been taking notes from the 3-7 varsity. amat sucksssssss
Posted by: amat sucksssss | September 5, 2008 3:04 PM
Hey JV you are making excuses for mghty amat-in fact you're starting to sound like that robledo character the tribune uses as a sports writer
Posted by: marcoas31 | September 5, 2008 2:49 PM
or, maybe they should continue to be challenged so they can get better and be prepared when they get to varsity. lower levels are NOT about winning - they are about preparing.
Posted by: reality czech | September 5, 2008 9:58 AM
Maybe Amat should disband their JV program and play at the Sophamore level so they wont get embarrassed on a weekly basis?
Posted by: player | September 5, 2008 9:29 AM
AMAT JV LOST 37-0? BAA HAA
Posted by: AMAT JV SUCKSSSS | September 5, 2008 1:01 AM
los osos is going to kick the crap out of sucky amat
Posted by: ass kicking coming | September 5, 2008 12:55 AM
Amat's JV is there Soph. Team with 4 or 5 Jr.'s. and maybe 1 or 2 Sr's. The Los Osos' team were all Jr's and Sr.'s and no Sophomores. So, yes they fumbled and couldnt tackle, but when u have a sophomore team playing Jr's and Sr.'s.... thats whats going to happen. I'm not making any excuses, just thought that info would be helpful when your crucifying the JV team and the coaches.
Posted by: JV | September 4, 2008 9:42 PM
Who cares about the JV's, they are just made up of sophomores/Jr's reserve team who werent good enough to play varsity.
Posted by: Who Cares | September 4, 2008 6:52 PM
Execution is so often the most important elemet on the high school level.
Ofentimes a team may be bigger or they many have better athletes, but if you execute properly, then you can sometimes pull out a hard earned victory.
Today the Amat JV team did not execute. To say that they were outchaoed is an understatment.
There were dropped balls, fumbles, passes that sailed over receivers heads and over all poor tackling.
Perhaps the JV teams should have practiced this year apart from the Varsity squad. In this way, then maybe they could have worked on the fundamentals a bit more.
The end result was a 37 to nothing but kicking that im sure will make Donkey-boy a very happy mule today.
Posted by: jcaz | September 4, 2008 6:20 PM
Bishop amat is going down tomorrow!
Good luck trying to stop our QB. He is too good for your slow underachieving defense!
Another 3-7 season for amat has beens.
Los oso has just to much fire power. Sorry washed up sgv!
Posted by: los osos student | September 4, 2008 3:16 PM
The Bishop Amat "Land-Sas"
Payback time Men.
Show them what Amat is all about.
Posted by: Road win | September 4, 2008 3:05 PM
Amat Parent
Thanks.
Posted by: jcaz | September 4, 2008 2:58 PM
Amat 24
Da Bears 21
Posted by: you know | September 4, 2008 2:55 PM
Anyone who is heading to Rancho (aka Ghetto Loma) Loma) better get there by 5:00 as I am told they expect a sellout and they have ordered extra stands.
I talked to one of their honks this morning (Sergio U.) and they think they are going to blow Amat out, but we shall see.
They are worried about their O-line, however, at it is a bit untested.
J
Posted by: Justrab | September 4, 2008 2:42 PM
With all the points Amat gave up last year, I can see where they have become defensive minded. Good move on Hags part.
Posted by: Amat Lancers | September 4, 2008 12:07 PM
GOING DOWN HARD,
Yes they are the whole team.
.....on your momma!
Posted by: Dude wake up | September 4, 2008 12:03 PM
Yes, Nick Lenhart is starting, coach Hagerty confirmed it this morning.
Posted by: FredJ | September 4, 2008 12:00 PM
Bishop's JV game actually starts at 3:15pm today.
Posted by: Amat Parent | September 4, 2008 11:18 AM
amat may be going down
but donkey boy swallows
Posted by: SHrek | September 4, 2008 10:29 AM
amat is going down hard
Posted by: going down hard | September 4, 2008 10:22 AM
Lenhart is starting Mcclanahan is the wide out. Gaise and the soph. Jay Anderson are the running backs. Looks like Amat has loaded up the defensive side of the ball with the best players on the team. They are looking to play defense this year. The real question is will they go to their defensive players to play offense (wearing down option), hence going back to double duty like last year or will they keep the D fresh and try to score with O they have.???
Posted by: Time will Tell | September 4, 2008 8:57 AM
Lenhart is starting. Period.......Amat has lots of tools as far as Skilled Position players but that O&D line looks to be the weak part of the team. Also Joe Amat Knock off the Amat trivia and stop trying to start your own side game on this blog. If you want to start a trivia get your own blog going.
Posted by: Amat may be in trouble | September 4, 2008 8:51 AM
HEY GET THRU YUR HEAD, Look aT THE TEAMS IN
MIRAMONTE AND THINK ANYONE WINS ON GIVEN FRIDAY. THESE TEAM ARE HOT AND WOULD ONLY BE BETTER IF SO
HILLS WAS IN MIRAMONT.
Posted by: slaker | September 4, 2008 8:19 AM
More trivia. Moved from a previous thread.
Name the SGV QBs that have played in the NFL. Bonus points - how many years did they play?
Posted by: Joe Amat | September 4, 2008 7:50 AM
Hey Fred,
who is going to get the start at QB for Amat? Last week you had said Hagarty would name a starter over the weekend. I may have missed it!!!
Posted by: john | September 4, 2008 6:34 AM
Amat Football begins today (thursday) at home with a JV game against the Los Osos Grizzlies.
Game starts at 4pm. Hope to see all the faithfull (and die hard) Amat boosters there today.
Go Amat !!
Posted by: jcaz | September 4, 2008 12:21 AM
fred, fred, fred
what do we have to do too get you to drink some ghs kool aid? love the way you think ghs cant do squat this year. you only put ghs in your top ten because maxprepps #1 ranking scared you from leaving them out alltogether. i understand you picked them to go 4-6, so if thats good you will have 2 sub 500 teams in your top ten, ghs and the mighty bishop amat, please rethink this, it could get embarrassing for you
Posted by: playallday | September 4, 2008 12:08 AM
You've got to be kidding with Bonita at #5! They are pathetic. Of the 5 teams under them (#'s 6-10)they could only beat one of them, So.El Monte. They play a weak preseason schedule and then fold like cheap suits during league play. Bonita Pussycats is more like it.
Posted by: Just a Fan | September 3, 2008 10:22 PM
the only reason SH,Co or SD will win a division title is that they dummied it down, it's all the sgv somebody has to win it, it's weak, very weak.they'll play it at Covina District field in front of a couple of thousand..... no big deal ..maybe if then sacked up and played somebody decent, you could make an argument about them being a legitimate good team....but hey, they have nothing to sack up with!
Posted by: whitey | September 3, 2008 9:59 PM
another " homer" pick for amat at number 2. They wont be in that top 10 very long unless you have an under .500 team in your top 10.
Posted by: amat is wayyyyyy over ranked | September 3, 2008 7:23 PM
BISHOP HAS NO BUSINESS ON THAT LIST AND AS FOR CHARTER OAK. THEY HAVE A SPOT THERE BUT NOT WHERE THEY ARE.
Posted by: Bishop Sucks! Get it Through Your Head! | September 3, 2008 7:18 PM
I does make me laugh that there was a bunch of talk putting down new Amat Head Coach Steve Hagerty and discounting his winning championships at Paraclete.
Now they turn up as the #2 ranked team in the new division with the Valle Vista league. Does that make the VVL a "lower division"?
Posted by: reality czech | September 3, 2008 5:22 PM
Fred,
7 out of LA's 10 games are on this list.
One game at a time.
Go Conq's!!!!!
Posted by: Popsonac | September 3, 2008 4:42 PM
The only teams that have a realistic chance of winning a championship are SHHS, San Dimas or Charter Oak. The rest are not going to make it. This is the best the SGV will have this year. Talent cupboard is going Bare in the SGV.
Posted by: Talentless | September 3, 2008 4:39 PM