August 2009 Archives

Steve Ramirez and I will go head-to-head throughout the season, and I will update our records each Monday on the Tribskin Pick'em thread.

Robledo: Last season: 204-54
Ramirez: Last season: 193-65
Notes: This is the third season Steve and I have gone head-to-head. We play for a steak dinner at the end of the season, and we have split, Steve winning year one by a game, then I blew him away down the stretch last year to pull even. So, this is the rubber year. Steve made his picks last week, the man left on a Baja cruise this morning and will be back Thursday ready for action. Okay, so we agree on all games with the exception of Norwalk-South El Monte and Westview-Bonita, in which I have gone with the out-of-area teams. Norwalk was 8-5 last season and is a 44-20 favorite on Calpreps. Even though the Eagles have a new coach and there will be plenty of energy, they're still missing a lot of weapons from last season. Bonita is playing a San Diego team that went 9-3 in Division II football down South. The Bearcats are a see-it-to-believe it team for me, and right now I don't believe it. We both like Damien's chances for an upset, but are realistic enough to stay with Rancho Cucamonga. We also think Muir will be too much on their new turf at home, and that Los Altos will get off to a good start with a convincing win over San Dimas. Did I just say that? I mean, Charter Oak will open with a romp. Teams that we're very curious about are La Puente, Azusa, and Workman, the three we believe will fight it out for the Montview league title. Will Baldwin Park win easily, and how will Duarte fair when the Tip Sanders era begins? It all goes down in week one.

Thursday, Sept. 3
La Puente at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (La Puente), Ramirez (La Puente)
Azusa vs. Garey at Citrus College, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Azusa), Ramirez (Azusa)
Friday, Sept. 4
Damien vs. Rancho Cucamonga at Los Osos, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Rancho), Ramirez (Rancho)
San Dimas at Los Altos, 7:30 p.m. -- Robledo (Los Altos); Ramirez (Los Altos)
Norwalk at South El Monte, 7: p.m -- Robledo (Norwalk), Ramirez (South El Monte)
Gardena at Charter Oak, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Charter Oak), Ramirez (Charter Oak)
Diamond Ranch at Muir, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Muir), Ramirez (Muir)
Westview at Bonita, 7 p.m -- Robledo (Westview), Ramirez (Bonita)
West Covina at El Rancho, 7 p.m -- Robledo (West Covina), Ramirez (West Covina)
Nogales at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Baldwin Park), Ramirez (Baldwin Park)
Buena Park at Bassett, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Bassett), Ramirez (Bassett)
Mountain View vs. Workman at La Puente, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Workman), Ramirez (Workman)
Western Christian vs. Gladstone at Citrus College, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Gladstone), Ramirez (Gladstone)
Duarte at Cajon, 7:00 p.m -- Robledo (Cajon), Ramirez (Cajon)

Time Warner's Reginald Miller, Tribune Prep Editor Fred J. Robledo and staff writer Steve Ramirez discuss this week's top four games and give their predictions. BTW, the football preview section comes out on Wednesdsay, make sure you get a copy.

Friday's season-opening games
Damien at Rancho Cucamonga, 7 p.m.
San Dimas at Los Altos, 7 p.m.
Diamond Ranch at Muir, 7 p.m.
Gardena at Charter Oak, 7 p.m.

The funeral service for San Dimas High school baseball and football player Eddie Miles will be held on Monday evening in San Dimas. The arrangements are below. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Photo: Mike Mullen / Correspondent

Edwin (Eddie) Stephen Miles
Monday, August 31, 4 pm
Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, (southeast corner of Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road) 724 E. Bonita Avenue San Dimas, CA 91773

A scholarship fund has been set up in memory of this wonderful young man: Edwin (Eddie) Miles Scholarship Fund Stellar Business Bank. 100 N. Azusa Avenue, Covina, CA 91722, Account #01102642. Attention: Tula Lee. Reception info to be given at service.

Further, Cindy, Dean and Dennis sincerely appreciate the immense outpouring of sympathy expressed by everyone in the community. If you have any questions, please call Eagle Escrow at the number listed below.

Denise Campagna and Sharie Bowers
Eagle Escrow Co. 901 E. Route 66, Suite B
Glendora, CA 91740 Phone (626) 914-4523,Fax (626) 914-6923

The L.A. Times thinks so highly of football in the San Gabriel Valley that at least Charter Oak earned a spot in its preseason rankings, slipping in at No. 25. But the SGV will get a chance to prove itself. Charter Oak gets No. 13 Rancho Cucamonga in a month, South Hills will face No. 8 Tesoro, and Bishop Amat will tackle No. 4 St. Bonaventure, No. 5 Notre Dame, No.14 Loyola, and No. 19 Crespi. Did I say the Lancers will probably go 4-6, well, now you know why.

Everyone wants to win a championship, but one of the most prestigious honors is the Tribune's football player of the year award. Who will that be this year? Remember, this isn't an award based on who performs the best at the next level, or who has the most talent. It's not about who plays in the toughest division, though tougher schedules certainly help. Look, Sierra Vista players won in back-to-back years in 1995-96. There are past winners from Bassett, Northview, Baldwin Park and Azusa. It's for anyone. It's for the player who combines a spectacular individual season with a great team season. Then we consider the competition, and make the best choice. It's our High School Heisman. Names that instantly jump out are Charter Oak's Adam Muema. West Covina's Ricky Johnson. Bishop Amat's Darian Johnson. Glendora's Wallace Gonzales. Walnut's Leonard Rhodes. Rowland's Michael Ball. South Hills' Geoffrey Vaughns. There could be sleepers like Arroyo sophomore quarterback Steven Rivera, or what if South Hills' Jordan Canada becomes eligible. You never know what's going to happen, but one thing is certain, if you make this list, you're among the very best in Valley history.

Tribune Players of the Year (1969-present)
1969 Fred McNeil, Baldwin Park RB
1970 Pat Haden, Bishop Amat QB and John McKay Jr., Bishop Amat WR
1971 Mike Vicino, Royal Oak RB
1972 Rob Hertel, Los Altos QB and Ron Himes, Walnut QB
1973 Dennis Sproul, Los Altos QB
1974 Brian Bethke, South Hills QB
1975 Richard Nyden, Azusa QB
and John Van Vuren, South Hills RB
1976 Bob Epps, West Covina DL
1977 Don Roberts, Temple City RB
1978 Ron Stivers, West Covina RB
1979 Ray McNeill, El Monte WR
and Danny Trejo, Baldwin Park WR
1980 Bill Stone, Charter Oak RB
1981 Blake Smith, Los AltosQB
and Steve Lauter, Los Altos WR
1982 Mike Smith, Los Altos QB
1983 Randy Tanner, Bishop Amat; Paul Hewitt, Monrovia
1984 Michael Johnson, Baldwin Park QB
1985 Eric Bieniemy, Bishop AmatRB
1986 Eric Bieniemy, Bishop Amat RB
1987 Bill Gallis, Northview QB
1988 Jason Martin, Los Altos TE/DB
1989 Marshawn Thompson, Bassett RB
1990 Jason Patterson, Bishop Amat FB/DE
1991 Marc Ruiz, Baldwin ParkQB
1992 Lawrence Phillips, Baldwin Park RB-DB
1993 Miguel Meriwether, West Covina QB/DB
1994 Daylon McCutcheon, Bishop Amat RB/FS
1995 Oscar Interiano, Sierra Vista RB
1996 Oscar Arzu, Sierra Vista RB
1997 Nick Covarrubias, Covina QB/DB
1998 Steve Stevenson, Charter Oak WR/RB/DB
1999 Jason Wright, Diamond Bar, RB/DB
2000 - Felipe Aguilar, Los Altos, QB
2001 - Donnie McCleskey, Bishop Amat RB
2002 - Daniel Drayton, Randall Brown, Los Altos RBs/DBs
2003 - Brigham Harwell, Los Altos DE
2004 - William Wagner, Bishop Amat RB
2005 - Mike McDonough, Covina QB
2006 - Mike McDonough, Covina QB
2007 - Dorian Wells, South Hills, RB
2008 - Chris Allen, Charter Oak, QB

By J.P. Hoornstra
SB Sun Staff writer
An act of hazing by upperclassmen on the Miller High School football team last Thursday has resulted in the possible suspension of at least 10 varsity players by the school. The incident included "verbal and physical harassment," according to a statement released by Fontana Unified School District Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks. No students reported being seriously injured.

*FRIDAY UPDATE: CIF director of communications Thom Simmons confirmed that Gala Canada, the mother of Jordan and Jamie Canada, met with CIF-SS officials on Thursday and stated her case for her sons to be reinstated. This is not an official appeal, however. Simmons said that CIF is gathering more information and if they decide to reverse their decision, it could come early next week.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
CIF-Southern Section officials ruled on Monday that South Hills High School football players Jordan (senior) and Jamie (sophomore) Canada are ineligible for the 2009 football season, citing an "athletically motivated" transfer from Duarte High School.
The brothers left Duarte in the spring and enrolled at South Hills. They have been practicing with the Huskies football team in preparation for the season, which begins next week.
The Canada family filed a transfer request with the CIF-SS based on "change of residence," having moved from Duarte to the South Hills high school district. But the request was denied after Duarte officials suggested the move was "athletically motivated" in paperwork filed with the CIF-SS office.
"We based our decision on statements from the previous school that this (transfer) was athletically motivated," said CIF-SS director of communications Thom Simmons. "Now it's up to the parents (of Jordan and Jamie Canada) and South Hills to show that it wasn't an athletically motivated transfer." The news caught South Hills officials by surprise on Monday. Huskies coach Steve Bogan said they're in the process of filing an appeal.
"We know that they (the Canadas) did everything right," Bogan said. "We know this was not a final decision, it was a step in the process. CIF has a process they have to go through to find clarity. We're looking into it and will work with CIF to find that clarity so they can make the right decision." Jordan Canada is a highly regarded running back with a scholarship offer from New Mexico. He rushed for 1,956 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior for the Falcons. The Canadas and several other football players left the school and enrolled at nearby schools after Duarte fired coach Wardell Crutchfield following the 2008 season. Crutchfield is still a teacher at Duarte, but his son, Wardell Crutchfield Jr., is now a student at Baldwin Park and playing for the Braves after also transferring from Duarte. "I know the (Canada) family and know it was not athletically motivated," Crutchfield said. "It's a shame. They were trying to move into a better situation, a safer situation. They're good kids, I'm shocked to be honest with you."

Duarte athletic director Robyn Garcia hinted this could happen in an April 6 conversation. Former Duarte coach Wardell Crutchfield reacted to the news on Monday: "I know the (Canada) family and know it was not athletically motivated," Crutchfield said. "It's a shame. They were trying to move into a better situation, a safer situation. They're good kids, I'm shocked to be honest with you."

Side note: Neiko Padilla, who transferred from South El Monte to South Hills, also filed a change of residence transfer, and was given a "valid" change of address approval by CIF.

The CIF-Southern Section reversed its decision on Charter Oak sophomore quarterback Travis Santiago on Wedenesday, approving his request for a transfer based on "change of address." Santiago left South Hills during his freshman year last February for Charter Oak. The sophomore is currently in a quarterback battle with junior Josiah Thropay over who will take over for Chris Allen when the season starts next Friday against Gardena. Before Wednesday's ruling, Santiago was on "restricted" football status until February of 2010. Charter Oak officials maintained all along they had its paperwork in order, and now can put this behind and get ready to defend its Miramonte and Southeast Division titles. On a side note, from what the coaches have been telling me, Santiago and Thropay could alternate possessions to start the season until the coaching staff is comfortable naming a permanent starter.

FOX SPORTS UPDATE: It's officially official. We told you a month ago that Fox Sports West intends on covering the Sept. 25 Rancho Cucamonga-Charter Oak showdown live on television. With both teams going 13-0-1 and winning section titles, their only blemish was a tie against each other at R.C., last season. Fox is hoping and praying both teams are undefeated when they meet again in the SGV's backyard. This IS the nonleague game of the year.

Before we start calling around on girls volleyball teams, tell us what you know, who to watch out for and of course, the best teams in the area. Girls Volleyball was a popular blog topic last season, so we intend to cover more games once the season begins.

For many, the football season begins next week. Here is a list of the "zero" week games, and for fun I will list them in the order of importance in terms of our coverage. This gives you an idea of what we think are most important games to our readers. You can agree or disagree, but most of you will agree :)

Thursday, Sept. 3
1. La Puente at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. - Great Thursday night opener, two new head coaches making their debut. I'm feeling La Puente, think they have a great shot.
2. Azusa vs. Garey at Citrus College, 7 p.m. - How will the Aztecs respond after one of the greatest years in school history?

Friday, Sept. 4
1. Damien vs. Rancho Cucamonga at Los Osos, 7 p.m. - Are you kidding me, Greg Gano makes his debut against the defending champion and No. 1-ranked team in the Central Division.
2. San Dimas at Los Altos, 7 p.m. -- The best local match-up between two teams that have a lot to prove. Will San Dimas rebound after losing their entire backfield? And is Los Altos ready to become Los Altos again under second-year coach Felipe Aguilar.
3. Diamond Ranch at Muir, 7 p.m. -- Third time's the charm? I sense a rivalry building here, these teams split last year, but the Ranch knocked out the Mustangs in the playoffs. Muir is debuting it's new field turf surface, so trust, they won't lose this one.
4. Gardena at Charter Oak, 7 p.m. -- The defending champs and No. 1 team in the area is always intriguing. I'm setting the line at Chargers + 28.
5. Nogales at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m. -- Is Nogales really the weak link in the San Antonio? Is Baldwin Park really the favorite in the VVL? We will know much more after this. Can't wait to see the Braves' new additions from Duarte.
6. West Covina at El Rancho, 7 p.m. -- Not being disrespectful leaving the Bulldogs this far down. They should handle this rather easily, and very curious to see just how dominant they can be.
7. Norwalk at South El Monte, 7 p.m. -- All eyes on the new coaching staff at South El Monte under former La Puente coach Ray Hernandez. Everything I'm hearing is positive, but now the real proof comes after kickoff.
8. Westview at Bonita, 7 p.m. -- The Bearcats are another "not sure what to expect," team. I was at the school over the weekend, and was impressed with their size. You know, maybe they will be a surprise.
9. Duarte at Cajon, 7 p.m. -- Assuming the Falcons have enough players to field a team, lets see if new coach Tip Sanders can work his magic again.
10. Mountain View vs. Workman at La Puente, 7 p.m. -- I'm already on record saying that Workman will win the Montview. Hope they prove me right.
11. Western Christian vs. Gladstone at Citrus College, 7 p.m. -- This is not Covina Western Christian anymore, they have moved to Upland. Anyway, the Gladiators can't do any worse than last season. Can they?

"We're aiming for heads," -- says an unidentified Muir player...this according to the Star-News' Miguel Melendez, who continues to pump up next week's Muir-Diamond Ranch showdown... Read on...

Says Miguel: Those are the words of a Muir football player when asked if the Mustangs are seeking redemption when they host Diamond Ranch next Friday at 7. There are posters all over Muir's campus promoting the school's new football field, which is generating buzz around campus with students who will attend their first game just to see their team play on a new field. Muir will try to do what it couldn't do in the first round of the Southeast Division playoffs. We'll see how the Mustangs fare against the runner-up. All year long, a certain D-Ranch assistant coach has taken friendly jabs at Muir coach Ken Howard. It's time to put that to rest, Kenny. The Mustangs won at Diamond Ranch last year in the season opener but faltered in the playoffs. Muir will protect its home field and reclaim SGV supremacy.

Citrus College has a lot of local weapons this season, which resembles an all-star alumni game. Remember Covina quarterback Mike McDonough, the Tribune's two-time player of the year, he's now an Owl. They have a backfield that includes West Covina's Isaac Tucker, Charter Oak's Kanaan Snowden, Wilson's Tim Gilmore and Rowland's Brandon Stansell. Will this be good enough to challenge Mt. SAC. Read on ...

Above: Perhaps nobody left it on the field as much as McDonough. Imagine if his teams were competing in the Mid-Valley Division today? Covina might have won back-to-back titles.

By Steve Ramirez
There is a lot of excitement for the Citrus College football team this season.
The Owls have a new coach - former defensive coordinator Ron Ponciano - and a solid recruiting class combined with some good returning players is creating some optimism for Citrus, which is playing in the highly-competitive National Division Central Conference for the second consecutive season. "We just want to compete," said Ponciano, who has replaced Kevin Emerson. "Last year, we just lost our energy, desire. Our goal this year is to just go out and compete."

With the fire in the Azusa foothills and the dark clouds hovering over the Valley, have football practices been cancelled? Tell us what's going on in your neighborhood?

By Miguel Melendez
A blaze in the Angeles National Forest producing poor air quality across the San Gabriel Valley forced some high school football teams on Wednesday to cancel or restrict outdoor activities. The fire, which broke out Tuesday afternoon on both sides of Highway 39 near Morris Dam Reservoir, has burned 750 acres. Chris Rush, an Angeles National Forest dispatcher, said the blaze was less than 10 percent contained early Wednesday.

Anything and anyone you want to talk about. For a week-by-week schedule of the football season, click the thread. We're now just a week and a half away from kickoff. The Tribune's annual high school football preview is scheduled for Wednesday's, Sept. 2.

San Dimas High students and baseball players hold a candlelight vigil Monday night for Eddie Miles, who died in a car crash earlier in the day. The funeral arrangements are below, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. For CBS News' Monday night report, click link.

Photo: Mike Mullen / Correspondent

Service Update for: Edwin (Eddie) Stephen Miles
Monday, August 31, 4 pm
Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, (southeast corner of Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road) 724 E. Bonita Avenue San Dimas, CA 91773

A scholarship fund has been set up in memory of this wonderful young man: Edwin (Eddie) Miles Scholarship Fund Stellar Business Bank. 100 N. Azusa Avenue, Covina, CA 91722, Account #01102642. Attention: Tula Lee. Reception info to be given at service.

Further, Cindy, Dean and Dennis sincerely appreciate the immense outpouring of sympathy expressed by everyone in the community. If you have any questions, please call Eagle Escrow at the number listed below.

Denise Campagna and Sharie Bowers
Eagle Escrow Co. 901 E. Route 66, Suite B
Glendora, CA 91740 Phone (626) 914-4523,Fax (626) 914-6923

By Daniel Tedford and Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writers
SAN DIMAS - The first day of class at San Dimas High School ended with the tragic news that a recently graduated student and former athlete had died in a car crash on Monday.
Eddie Miles, 17, was killed after the 2001 GMC van he was driving rear-ended a semi-truck on the west 60 Freeway at 9:50 a.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner's spokeswoman Sandy Fatland said. The van then veered right into a guard rail and toppled down an embankment just west of Grove Avenue in Ontario, Fatland said.
The Ontario Fire Department responded and used the Jaws of Life to reach Miles, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, Fatland said.
Miles, a reserve catcher and pitcher, helped the Saints win a CIF-Southern Section Division IV championship last season. The Saints defeated Torrance 4-2 in the June 6 championship at Angel Stadium. Nearly 400 people gathered in silence Monday night in front of the San Dimas High campus to mourn the death of their friend and fellow athlete.
Thomas Jenson, a former baseball teammate who graduated with Miles, said he was shocked by the news. "He was smart - the perfect kid. He had no enemies, made friends with everyone," said Jenson. "You can see by how many people showed up that a lot of people loved him and are praying for him tonight." The somber mourners comforted each other as the tears poured out. Many in the crowd signed messages to Miles and his family on a large card that read "Eddie M. you'll be missed."
"He's one of my best friends and he was taken away too early," said Kevin Ponzo, a former baseball teammate. "It's true that the best go first. He's the only one who can make you laugh when you're losing 5-0." San Dimas High School baseball coach Mike Regan spoke with Miles' former teammates after learning the news during the day. Most responded with shock, Regan said. "They don't know what to say," Regan said. "Eddie was just a wonderful kid, a great student, a team guy. Everybody loved Eddie."
Miles played baseball all four years at San Dimas High and during his time was willing to do anything to help the team, Regan said. "He is one of those kids who is a great team guy and always did whatever we asked him to do," Regan said. "I am just devastated."
News of Miles' death didn't reach students at San Dimas High until after school let out at noon. Miles also played football, maintained high grades and planned to attend Cal Poly Pomona in the fall, school Principal Michael Kelly said. "He was an excellent student and a wonderful young man," Kelly said. Additional school counselors and psychologists will be on campus this week to help those dealing with the tragedy, Kelly said. "High school students have a difficult time dealing with these things," Kelly said. "For many it is their first time dealing with a loss."

Charter Oak sophomore quarterback Travis Santiago is listed on CIF's website as ineligible to play football until February of 2010. When Santiago left South Hills for Charter Oak in February of 2009, it was determined he had to sit out one calendar year of varsity sports, making him ineligible to play football this fall, according to CIF Director of Communications Thom Simmons. Charter Oak officials believe they have the necessary paperwork to deem Santiago eligible this season, but as of today, he is ineligible to play. We will continue to follow this closely until the season begins.

The Scouting Guru has been all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, and like always, he's offered to share his thoughts, free of charge. Don't hate, enjoy it for what it's worth, which is one man's opinion on the talent and teams in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas.

The Scouting Guru says: The fearless one has been busy calling all coaches in the area getting ready for the big football preview tab that will be out next week. So he gave a little nudge to yours truly to help him out this week. We couldn't say no. As of this writing, every school in the area is in fall football camp. That means the agility ladders are out, conditioning in well underway and players are quickly reviewing their offensive and defensive playbooks for the start of the season. Our service has decided to change our attack this year in the area and will be concentrating on certain "under the radar" schools that have players that we are interested in for the class of 2010 or we will be cross-checking our 2011 lists that will be sent out to the colleges the first week in September. Here are some of the schools in the area that we will be visiting when the season starts next week. To continue reading, click thread

Above: Rosemead advanced to last year's championship game despite getting snubbed by voters throughout the season.

The preseason CIF-SS rankings should come out soon, but the Calpreps rankings are already out. Calpreps ranks the top 30 in each division, and with the exception of the Pac-5 Poll, the rest of the polls appear to be based on what happened last year. Seriously, Diamond Ranch No. 2 in the Southeast? Rowland ahead of South Hills? The CalPreps rankings don't matter as far as CIF seedings, but the CIF polls do. Each week I have a vote in the CIF polls and will share them with you throughout the season. This may help out of area prep reporters and others with votes get a better feel of our area so we don't go through a situation like last year, where Rosemead wasn't ranked throughout the year and didn't get a seed, then went on to the Mid-Valley championship game. Remember how bad it was, the Valle Vista got two seeds and Azusa was No. 2! This forced Rosemead to play San Dimas in the second round, preventing the best four from reaching the final four, with Northview having to play Paraclete in the second as well. Lets help the pollsters get it right, and hope that some voters will set their obvious bias aside.

CalPreps Preseason football rankings
Pac-5 Division
1. Lakewood, 2. Notre Dame, 3. Servite, 4. Tesoro, 5. Edison, 6. Long Beach Poly, 7. Crespi, 8. Mission Viejo, 8. Mater Dei, 10. Orange Lutheran; Others: 18. Bishop Amat

Central Division
1. Rancho Cucamonga, 2. Chino Hills, 3. Colton, 4. Cajon, 5. Glendora, 6. Upland, 7. Etiwanda, 8. Los Osos, 9. Damien, 10. Ayala; Others: 20. Diamond Bar.

Southeast Division
1. Charter Oak, 2. Diamond Ranch, 3. Rowland, 4. South Hills, 5. Muir, 6. West Covina, 7. Burroughs, 8. Crescenta Valley, 9. Santa Fe, 10. California, Others: 13. Walnut, 14. Bonita, 22. Los Altos, 26. Nogales, 28. Wilson.

Mid-Valley Division
1. Paraclete, 2. Rosemead, 3. Monrovia, 4. Northview, 5. San Dimas, 6. Temple City, 7. San Marino, 8. Valley Christian, 9. LA Baptist, 10. Duarte; Others: 12. Azusa, 13. Arroyo, 14. Baldwin Park, 15. Pomona, 18. Covina, 19. South El Monte, 20. Workman, 21. El Monte, 24. Ganesha, 26. Gladstone, 27. Sierra Vista, 28. La Puente, 29. Mountain View, 30. Bassett.

In Tennessee, the high school football season began on Friday night, and it was a sobering way to begin. The Daily Inquirer wrote: A high school football player in Tennessee died Friday night shortly after collapsing during a play against another school. Jake Logue, 18, of Sullivan South High School was pronounced dead around 10 p.m. at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

From CNN: Read Friday's story on heat-related deaths as it pertains to high school football's grueling summer workouts.

Above: Northview's Kamaron Germany being pursued by Ganesha's Justin Goytia

After speaking to every coach in the Valle Vista League the consensus is the same, that the VVL may have the most parity in years. Not Goliath parity, just parity. There is no clear-cut favorite. There are no great Mike McDonough led Colts teams of a few years ago (imagine if they had been in the Mid-Valley today). Even Northview and San Dimas, which had Mid-Valley championship aspirations last year and stumbled in the playoffs, are taking a huge step back. In fact, if a VVL team gets past the quarterfinals, it would be a huge, huge surprise. If I'm being honest, it's a down year in the VVL. Here's what I'm hearing: After years as a defensive coordinator at Pomona, Johnny Brown has taken over as the head coach for Don Cayer, who was let go just a couple months ago. Brown is raving about his backfield, and many feel Pomona is the big wild card........ After breaking the school's 49-game losing streak, Ganesha coach Dave Fleming said the next goal isn't just to break their 28-game Valle Vista league streak that dates back to 2004, but to win at least a pair of games and reach the playoffs........ Baldwin Park is the consensus favorite if you have to pick one. You won't hear that from coach James Heggins, but they have a little of everything and return the most starters....... Defending champion Northview and runner-up San Dimas lost too much to simply pick up where they left off. But they realize the VVL is up for graps, and with the Vikings returning RB Kamaron Germany and the Saints still confusing everyone with the Wing T, don't count them out. As for Covina, keep hope alive. They struggled last year and lost just as many players as San Dimas and Northview.

What the coaches are saying:
Covina coach Darryl Thomas.
"If our league ever had parity across the board, this could be the year. I don't know what we're (Valle Vista league teams) capable of doing once we reach the playoff stage, but the (race) for the league title and playoff spots looks like it's going to be tight."

Northview coach Jim Arellanes
"Our attitude is we're the two-time defending champs. If you want it, you have to take it from us. We're still the favorites and we're going to compete our butts off to win it again."

San Dimas coach Bill Zernickow
"The kids know what they're doing. We don't have as much speed (in the backfield), but from a physical standpoint we might be more punishing. It's like going from a Ferrari to a truck. Different, but we think both can be effective."

Baldwin Park coach James Heggins
"We like what we have, but it's still a work in progress until we see it on the field. Whether people think we're the favorites or not doesn't matter, nobody is going to roll over for Baldwin Park, we have to go out there and earn it."

Pomona coach Johnny Brown
"I won't say we won't throw it, but you're going to have to force our hand to make us put it in the air. Teams are going to have to stuff eight, nine and ten in the box. We're coming right after you, if you stop us, you stop us, but I like our offensive line and our athleticism in the backfield. We think we'll be a handful for a lot of teams."

Ganesha coach Dave Fleming
"We have to set our goals higher. Winning two games, three games, that's not good enough. We won't be satisfied with just winning a league game. We'll be satisfied when Ganesha is in the playoffs again."

There are times when high schools sports, particularly football, can be blinded by the pettiness of school pride and rivalries. Sunday is not one of those times. It will, in fact, show the good side of competition when Bishop Amat pays homage to one of its own - defensive lineman Paul Reyna, who died 10 years ago this weekend from injuries suffered in a preseason practice during his freshman year at Boise State. Reyna will be remembered in a memorial service scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Bishop Amat Carroll Center.

For all of you Bishop Amat honks, this is an intriguing season. Was the first-year under coach Steve Hagerty an aberration? Do you really expect them to improve on 7-4? They came within minutes of knocking off eventual champion Long Beach Poly at Veterans Stadium, so what can they do for an encore, especially after losing the likes of Isaiah Bowens, Sheldon Price, Brent Seals, and Jesse Prieto on D? If you have been wondering the same thing, so has head coach Steve Hagerty. Here is an excerpt from our Sept. 3 Football Preview on the state of Bishop Amat.

"We know the risk after what happened last year is that we could take a step back," Hagerty said. "The second year is always the hardest on a coaching staff. If we take a step back everyone is going to say last year was a fluke, that we got lucky. But that's why you go to Bishop Amat, to take on that pressure and that expectation. We have no intention of taking a step back, we're moving forward."

By Jim McConnell
Football is a series of 6-second wars. Think about it. The average length of a play in football is six seconds. Reach down to shell a peanut and you're liable to miss the turning point in a game. And that's the point. Just as players must practice, spectators need to whip themselves into prime-time shape to prepare for another season of football. To continue reading, click thread

Reporting from Damien: The morning huffing and puffing followed by late afternoon team-bonding rally cries is a sure way to know that high school football is back. Several teams set up two-a-day camps this week in preparation for season openers the first week of September. One of the most intriguing camps is at Damien High School, where former head coaches Steve Garrison (Monrovia) and Dave Merrill (Wilson) have joined new Spartans coach Greg Gano, who left Los Altos after winning four CIF-Southern Section titles.

Check this out, in 1989 I was on Family Feud and got a text this morning saying they're showing the reruns on the game show network (Direct TV, channel 309) the rest of the week. The five-time champion Robledo Family will also be on Thursday and Friday at 7 a.m., so set your Tivo's for the 21-year-old version of myself. Damn, that was half a life ago, 20 years already? I was working the Trib's front counter in private party ads when the Family Feud called to place an ad asking for contestants. I told 'em where do we sign up, because I got the perfect five to blow them away at the audition. We had some of best answers in Family Feud history. They asked my Uncle Mike, name an animal that ruins a garden? He said "a cockroach." They asked my late aunt Carmen to name a time when people use candles? She said, "6 o'clock." Good Times.

A few years ago I was also on the "Jamie Kennedy Experiment" pulling a prank at Brookside Golf course on my friend Tom and cousin Dan. I'm in the red shirt dancing at the end of the clip.

In today's L.A. Times, Ben Bolch talks about Fox Sports' new reality series in which eight high school quarterbacks, including an undisclosed player from Anaheim, compete in a new reality show in which they vie to become the nation's best under-the-radar standout. The show, dubbed "The Ride" will be broadcast on FS West this fall, testing the theory that great quarterbacks can be made.

This is going to be brief and to the point, as things break, I will post it, but we have two weeks to get the football tab out and most teams are finally hitting the field beginning today, so I don't have as much time to work on the blog. When the season starts, it will be back to the old routine. For those stringers wondering about covering games, we will have a meeting early next week, I will be in touch. Man, I feel like that Smokey and the Bandit song, We got a long way to go, and a short time to get there. So for now, here is how the league races will unfold in 2009.

Valle Vista
1. Baldwin Park, 2. Northview, 3. Pomona, 4. San Dimas, 5. Covina, 6. Ganesha.
Miramonte League
1. Charter Oak, 2. Diamond Ranch, 3. Los Altos, 4. Bonita, 5. Wilson
Mission Valley League
1. Arroyo, 2. Rosemead, 3. South El Monte, 4. El Monte, 5. Gabrielino, 6. Mountain View
Montview League
1. Workman, 2. La Puente, 3. Sierra Vista, 4. Duarte, 5. Azusa, 6. Gladstone, 7. Bassett
Sierra League
1. Glendora, 2. Chino Hills, 3. Damien, 4. Ayala, 5. Diamond Bar, 6. Chino
Serra League
1. Notre Dame, 2. Loyola, 3. Bishop Amat, 4. Crespi.
San Antonio League
1. South Hills, 2. West Covina, 3. Walnut, 4. Rowland, 5. Nogales

Note: I love this new blog feature, when a thread is thriving with comments, I can kick it up to the top to give it more play.

We're finally a month away from the football season, and a couple weeks from the start of summer camp. This is when all the fun begins and all the predictions are made. The Tribune's preseason top ten may not look like this come September, but this gives you an idea of where I'm leaning before all the discussions with head coaches over the next month. There is a brief explanation on the top five and a guesstimate on the Tribune's Super 33. Enjoy your weekend and lets start breaking it down by position next week.

And still champion ...

1. Charter Oak -- Even though the schedule doesn't blow you away, the combination of Adam Muema and Brandon Golden -- both Division I backs should. Then you have either Travis Santiago or Josiah Thropay at QB, with most thinking it's Santiago's job to lose. Then you two-way stud A.J. Powell, corner Dennis Rufus, linebacker Keith Smith and arguably the best coaching staff in the Valley coming off another CIF championship. Forgetaboutit, it won't be a surprise at all if they run the table and go undefeated for a second straight year.

2. Glendora -- Maybe this comes as a surprise, but everything I hear about junior QB Chad Jeffries is positive and with a coach like Pasquarella grooming him, this could be a special offense with Wallace Gonzalez and Aaron Stockham at WR and Andrew Holmes in the backfield. You also have two returning second team DB's in seniors Duwani Bankhead and Dylon Nichols. If the Tartans step up on defense, and they always seem to do so, they should have more than enough offense to prove this ranking is legitimate.

3. Bishop Amat -- With the departures and schedule, this could be the Lancers' highest ranking of the season. I don't see how you lose defensive gems Sheldon Price, Brent Seals, Isaiah Bowens and running back Deshawn Gaisie and pick up where you left off. Coach Steve Hagerty has a more difficult task in his second season, but offensively, quarterback Jerry McClanahan is one of the Valley's best, and Jay Anderson could be a monster in the backfield as a junior. Having corner Darian Johnson back is huge and the Lancers arguably have more depth than anyone in the area. But the schedule might be too brutal to overcome.

4. South Hills -- The biggest question is at quarterback, but the Huskies are loaded everywhere else. If Duarte transfer Jordan Canada becomes eligible, everything I've heard from insiders and outsiders is that he could have a player-of-the-year type season, especially because the Huskies are built to run and run often after the departure of Cameron Deen. As far as pure talent, the Huskies have Miles Bevel (DB), Geoffrey Vaughns (WR), Ify Umodu (WR), Sioasi Alonsi (OL) and Peter Nonu (DT). With Bogan in charge, they will find a way to challenge Charter Oak for the divisional title.

5. West Covina -- I hear ya when you say that the Scouting Guru doesn't give the Bulldogs enough credit, but the Southeast Division semifinalists could potentially be better than last year. RB Ricky Johnson and fullback Jesse Ili are back. That's a potential dangerous combo. Quarterback George Johnson is back. First-team DE/OL Ryan McLaurin and first-team DB Jon Hernandez returns. Second teamer Jesse Madrid (OL) adds to the depth and the Bulldogs' offensive and defensive lines always seem to stack up against anyone. I won't be surprised at all if they knock off Bishop Amat this year, they knocked off Glendora last season, and are better on paper this season.

The next five
6. Damien, 7. Rowland, 8. Diamond Ranch, 9. Bonita, 10. Walnut

The Middle Ten
11. San Dimas, 12. Diamond Bar, 13. Rosemead, 14. Los Altos, 15. Northview, 16. Arroyo, 17. Baldwin Park, 18. Wilson, 19. South El Monte, 20. Covina.

On the bottom looking up
21. Azusa, 22. Pomona, 23. Sierra Vista, 24. El Monte, 25. Nogales, 26. Duarte, 27. La Puente, 28. Workman, 29. Gladstone, 30. Mountain View, 31. Ganesha, 32. Western Christian, 33. Bassett.

After mentioning previously that several standout quarterbacks have graduated and that the Valley isn't as deep at the QB position than in years past, the opposite is true at wideout, where several top notch players like South Hills' Ify Umodo and Glendora's Aaron Stockham are not on our top five. You can make an easy argument that they should be, but the point is the wideout position is deep, they just need consistent QB's to get them the ball.

Above: Glendora's Wallace Gonzales

Area's top five returning receivers
1. Wallace Gonzales, Glendora, Jr
Division one scouts are drooling over his 6-foot-5 frame, speed and athletic ability. He may wind up earning a baseball scholarship first, but he's set to have a big season behind quarterback Chad Jeffries, and alongside Aaron Stockhom, a returning All-Sierra League first-team receiver like Gonzales. As a sophomore, Gonzales led the area by hauling in 64 receptions for 1018 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 84 yards a game.

2. Darien Johnson, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Will be the most influential on defense where he is expected to be a lockdown corner going against the Southland's best receivers, but will also have a huge impact at receiver. Johnson is not only a deep threat, but a superb (RAC) run-after-catch receiver with superior speed and athletic ability. He reminds me of Desmond Reed, a two-time Star-News player of the year for Temple City who could do it all, and was asked to do it all. The big difference obviously is that Johnson has to do it in the Serra League, not the Rio Hondo.

3. Dennis Rufus, Charter Oak, Jr.
After graduating Kiely Rycraw and Eric Rogers, Rufus becomes the lead receiver on the defending champions after hauling in 17 receptions for 294 yards and three touchdowns. As a sophomore he was more of a lockdown defensive back, and his future at the next level might be in the secondary, but he will prove to be an explosive receiver if the summer passing league was any indication.

4. Geoffrey Vaughns, South Hills, Sr.
Won't have the luxury of standout quarterback Cameron Deen, but he returns as the Huskies' leading receiver with 47 receptions for 667 yards and seven touchdowns. Was very impressive during passing league competitions, and also provides the Huskies with a lockdown defender in the secondray. Along with Ify Umodo, this gives the Huskies two of the best in the Valley. Now all they need is a quarterback.

5. Chris Rodriguez, Arroyo, Sr.
He led the Knights in receiving with 12 receptions for 335 yards, and is expected to play a huge roll on a pass-happy Knights squad under sophomore quarterback Steven Rivera, who started on varsity as a freshman. Rodriguez was exceptional in summer passing league's against stiff competition, and the Knights could be a sleeper than contends for the Mid Valley Division title. Might not be a popular choice since there are other WR's with better potential at next level, but he will finish among the area's best in receptions and yards, mark that down.

Click on this thread to review the CIF-Southern Section's new policy for live blogging. We no longer can give detailed descriptions of playoff or championship events, but we are allowed to post updated scores...

This is great news for high school sports fans and media outlets: CIF-Southern Section spokesperson Thom Simmons said the CIF-SS has partnered with High School Sports Net, and will require all schools in the Southern Section to list its schedules and report scores immediately following events to provide a Southern Section scoreboard, particularly for Friday night football. If you look at the top right corner of the CIF Website, you will see a box directing you to the scoreboard page. This is the first time that CIF is mandating that schools report their scores or face sanctions. Additionally, this will apply to all varsity sports, a huge bonus for sports fans, particularly in sports where coaches never report scores to their local newspapers. How this will work for us is that every school basically has its own webpage, so I will localize all of our teams into one quick easy read. During the season, you just click on that school for updated results on varsity sports.

I posted this last year, and got quite a response. It's that time again: How popular is tailgating at high school football games, and who has the best food? I've seen more of it this year than ever before. Bishop Amat throws the biggest party, but Glendora throws a mean party too. Charter Oak had a small thing going on Friday, which is similar to what I've seen at other schools. Is this a growing trend? If they're tailgating at your school, tell us about it. And if you want to invite your favorite sportswriters, go ahead.

....Hey, I'm not biased. I might be a Bruins fan, but 'SC fans are welcome here too

Continue reading, I got an email from a reader wanting to push his environmentally-friendly flames ...

You might want to check out college level athletes' web page, a super source for high school football news across the country, particularly when it comes to scouting. They gave our blog a nice plug, so check it out and tell us what you think?

ESPN: Former NFL running back and Baldwin Park High School standout Lawrence Phillips was convicted of assault and other felony charges in San Diego. A Superior Court jury found Phillips guilty Tuesday of seven counts. He had been accused of choking his girlfriend on two occasions in August 2005, once into unconsciousness. He faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced next month. Phillips already is serving a 10-year sentence for hitting three teenagers with his car in Los Angeles.

Amid a wave of new world-records set at international competitions, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) followed suit with FINA, the international swimming federation, and has banned high-tech swimsuits in high school competition. The NFHS sent out a release earlier this afternoon.

INDIANAPOLIS -- High-tech swimsuits that have been linked to record performances at all levels of competition the past couple of years have been banned for high school competition, effective immediately. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee approved changes to Rule 3-2-2 that will make the high-tech swimsuit no longer a legal suit for swimmers at the high school level. The committee's recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

There are five coaching changes in the Valley, none more significant than Greg Gano's hire at Damien. From a pressure standpoint, Gano has the most difficult job of satisfying thirsty boosters, but from a personnel standpoint, Duarte's Tip Sanders has the biggest challenge of winning games. Factoring both pressure and personnel, lets rank it with the toughest being number one.

1. Damien: After a 3-7 season coach Scott Morrison was fired and replaced by area legend Greg Gano, who won four CIF-SS championships at Los Altos after replacing another legend, Dwayne DeSpain. Thoughts: A difficult schedule, high profile and fans that want to win now. While other coaching situations seem more difficult on paper, few would want the pressure that Gano is taking on. It almost seems like he risks his reputation and legacy if this fails, but that's a challenge Gano enjoys.

2. Wilson: Longtime Northview assistant Brian Zavala takes over for Greg Hoyd, who lasted just one season after a 1-9 campaign and a difficult relationship with the school administration and boosters. Thoughts: This is a tough mess Zavala has to clean up. He seems like a solid guy and a great coach, but the Miramonte League is so unforgiving that he virtually has no chance of reaching the playoffs, especially after the departure of Tim Gilmore. If they finish 6-4 or better, he would have to be considered for coach of the year honors.

3. Duarte: Coach Wardell Crutchfield was fired because the school "wanted to move in a different direction," and a lot of players have gone is a different direction as well, leaving new coach Tip Sanders trying to fill out his roster. Sanders' coaching resume is impressive having restored programs at Marshall and Blair, but this project is off to a slow start. Thoughts: Let's just say the administration didn't think this all out when they fired Crutchfield. The school's best impact players left, including running back Jordan Canada, now at South Hills. Sanders has performed miracles before, and could even find a way to compete in the Montview, but this was an uphill battle from the start.

4. South El Monte: Longtime coach Erick Escamilla stepped away to spend more time with his family, and the school hired Ray Hernandez after he resigned from La Puente. Hernandez is a good coach, and most are hoping the change of venue will work to everyone's advantage. Thoughts: Always tough when you replace a coach that is so well respected and whose teams competed year in and year out. Hernandez moves up in terms of going from the Montview to the Mission Valley, but with Arroyo and Rosemead still the perennial favorites, a playoff spot isn't guaranteed.

5. La Puente: A year after winning the Montview League title, coach Ray Hernandez finished 1-9 and left the program during the season over a disagreement with the school's administration on how to discipline players. Glendora assistant Branden Roher, already a teacher at the school, took over and everything we hear is that he's doing a wonderful job. Thoughts: The Montview league is wide open and Roher is doing so well bringing the boys along that they could compete for a title his first season. There is no pressure because there are no expectations, the perfect situation for a first-year coach.

As Fred and I scour are sources to put together this season's high school preview and the rest of you patiently await the start of the season, I thought of the perfect song to get you in the mood for another fall of high school football:

How will the recession affect high school athletic programs? "It's a bad deal for everybody," Thom Simmons, a spokesman for the California Interscholastic Federation's Southern Section, told the L.A. Times. "When tax revenue is down, the level of services has to go down. And any time you have to cut services, whether it's for drama, band or athletics, it's just a bad deal."

The Orlando Magic's Rashard Lewis tested positive for a testosterone-producing steroid and will be suspended without pay 10 games at the beginning of the season. I wonder if sports writers will treat Lewis like they do baseball players who test positive for banned substances. I guess the Magic's Eastern Conference title is tainted, Lewis no longer deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, and if the L.A. Times' Bill Plaschke treats him like Manny, he will suggest the Magic get rid of him immediately. None of this will happen, though, watch how the double standard unfolds just like football players who get a free pass. Not in terms of the penalties handed down by the various leagues, but in regards to the media reaction. For whatever reason banned substances are a capital crime in baseball, but a slap on the wrist in other teams sports.

Photo by staff photographer Keith Birmingham

The top ten serious and not-so-serious things football teams can do to increase newspaper coverage...

1. Thursday Night Games: This is what the mid-major's do for national exposure, and it works in our backyard too. Highly recommended for teams that normally feel slighted on Friday night's by the more traditional schools.

2. Schedule Bishop Amat: This is sort of a joke, but also has a ring of truth to it. When area teams take on our only PAC-5 representative, its newsworthy.

3. Programs/Rosters: What will inevitably happen the first full week of football games is that half our reporters will return to the office complaining that schools not only don't have programs, they forget rosters. If you're going to charge $5 bucks to get into the stadium, the least you can do is provide fans/writers with names to go with the numbers.

4. Non-League rivalries: Not enough of these anymore. You have the Smudge Pot: Bonita-San Dimas; MD Classic: Duarte-Monrovia, and whatever Temple City vs. Arroyo is called, but we need more of these. Bishop Amat and Damien should be a regular occurrence, so should South Hills and Charter Oak. Make it happen.

5. Earlier kick-off times: This is why you see reporters running off the field after the final whistle. Those who traditionally play 7:30 p.m., football games will have a rough time making our deadlines this season. If you're shocked that some games miss the newspaper entirely, it's probably because the game ran late and missed deadline. Our deadlines are nearly two hours earlier than they were a decade ago, so 7 p.m., games and (can I ask) 6:30 p.m., games are strongly encouraged.

6. Scheduling Upgrade: Nobody is asking that you go crazy and schedule like Diamond Ranch did in 2008, but upgrading the schedule against traditional locals or Southland giants is always appealing.

7. Quotable: Coaches and players who don't make us wait long after games and aren't afraid to speak their mind go to the front of the line.

8. Snack Bar: We don't accept free food, but we take donations (hint, hint).

9. Parking: Time is precious. For those stadiums impossible to get out quick, reserve a spot close to an exit for your hometown newspaper.

10. Stats: Our annual reminder for coaches to upgrade stats on MaxPreps. Stop hiding and saying you don't want to be scouted, stats are for the many fans that follow your programs, and for the newspapers that desperately need them to keep track of what's going on.

I'm expecting a huge year from the backs, there are going to be games where the top backs go for 250-300 yards and five and six touchdowns. I could have gone ten deep easy, but we're going with this top five and a sleeper at No. 5 from Workman. Just an FYI, Walnut's Leonard Rhodes would have been on this list, but I don't want to double up, he will be featured later on defense. In fact, Rhodes is arguably the biggest impact player in the Valley. BTW, I think Adam Muema should change his number to 12. That way we could nickname him "Adam 12" in honor of one of my favorite TV series from the 70s. I know, it's lame, but I can't come up with anything better than Awesome Adam, can you?

Area's Top Five Running Backs
1. Adam Muema, Charter Oak, Sr.
Height: 6-1, Weight: 190
The skinny: The Miramonte League first-team selection helped lead the Chargers to the Southeast Division championship and was among the area leaders with 1,922 yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging 137 yards and over eight yards a carry. Sought after by many top-notch Division I schools, Muema has all the tools, quick, strong, fast, agile and shifty, and can change a game in an instant. He's the reason why many are predicting that the Chargers will win back-to-back divisional titles.

2. Ricky Johnson, West Covina, Sr.
Height: 6-0, Weight: 190
The skinny: Was the surprise underclassman of 2008 after a breakthrough season that earned him San Antonio League first team honors and a Tribune all-area second team selection. He helped lead the Bulldogs to the San Antonio league title and a Southeast Division semifinal appearance. He gives as hard as he gets, and has breakaway speed in the open field.

3. Jordan Canada, South Hills, Sr.
Height: 5-10, Weight: 195
The skinny: Had a monster season for Duarte High School before transferring to South Hills. He rushed for 1,956 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 195 yards a game. He rushed for over 200 yards in six games, topping off with a 347-yard, four touchdown performance in a 54-0 win over Bassett. Now in the Huskies' green-and-white, he's not only hoping to lead South Hills back to the San Antonio League title and Southeast Divisional title, but also is playing for a division one scholarship.

4. Andre Holmes, Glendora, Sr.
Height: 6-0, Weight: 190
The skinny: Was the perfect compliment to former quarterback Drew Kaluzny, rushing for 1,131 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Sierra League champions. In the CIF-Southern Section Central Division first-round game, Holmes was handed the ball a season-high 23 times, and showed what he could do with it, rushing 260 yards with three touchdowns in a 56-21 blowout over West Valley Hemet. With a bigger role expected in 2009, Holmes could be the stable force that drives the Tartans attack.

5. Kalin Bradford, Workman, Sr.
Height: 6-0, Weight: 215
The skinny: A sleeper selection that could end up leading the area in rushing and touchdowns when the season is through. Many are considering the Lobos to be one of the favorites to win the Montview League and with the departure of Duarte's Jordan Canada to South Hills, Bradford emerges as the league's top returning back after rushing for 774 yards.

For lunch today: If you haven't tried Dino's chicken & fries across the street from Gladstone High School on Arrow Hwy, you haven't tried chicken. El Pollo Loco and Juan Pollo are good, but Dino's takes it to another level. And get this, you get it all for something like $5 bucks.

You might want to check in with Jamie DeMoney's PrepNation Blog, he lists a complete breakdown of the nation's top teams, and does regional rankings. It's a great way also to follow where players are going.

DeMoney's West Coast Region Rankings
1. Lakewood (10-3)
2. Bellevue, Wash. (14-0)
3. Sammamish, Wash., Skyline (14-0)
4. Oaks Christian (14-0)
5. Concord De La Salle (12-2)
6. Servite (7-4)
7. Mission Viejo (10-2)
8. Long Beach Poly (14-1)
9. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (11-1)
10. Edison (7-3)

Of the impact positions, quarterbacks in the SGV are not nearly as deep as years past. Gone are so many talented seniors like Chris Allen, Cameron Deen, Jose Garay, Terry Paradez and Drew Kaluzny, so we'll have to wait to see who emerges as the season continues. But there are five QBs that will stand out (well six if you consider the Charter Oak situation), so here you go, the area's top five quarterbacks.

1. Michael Ball, Rowland, Jr.
The San Antonio League first-team selection is a dangerous run/pass threat after throwing for 1,871 yards and 17 touchdowns, and rushing for 671 yards and 11 touchdowns. He earned valuable experience by leading the Raiders to the Southeast Divisional semifinals as a sophomore. The only question is with so many players departing around him, can he be as successful? We will find out, it will probably take a monster season numbers-wise to keep the Raiders fighting for a San Antonio league title.

2. Jerry McClanahan, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Extremely confident and smart, McClanahan is a playmaker who threw for 1,174 yards and ten touchdowns, helping the Lancers to huge victories over Orange Lutheran and Crespi, and leading the Lancers back to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. There is a sophomore you all know about named Rio Ruiz who is pushing McClanahan, but expect McClanahan to win it out. After all, it was coach Steve Hagerty who wondered why McClanahan isn't considered among the Valley's best QB's. Well coach, here ya go.

3. Chad Jeffries, Glendora, Jr.
A prodigy of well-known quarterbacks coach Chris Rix, Jeffries replaces veteran Drew Kaluzny and earned rave reviews in summer passing leagues and has a talented blend of receivers at his disposal. It won't be surprise at all if he's the key element that leads the Tartans to a Sierra League title. Everything that I hear suggests he might have the most upside as far as the next level, so lets enjoy and watch this young man develop.

4. Travis Santiago/Josiah Thropay, Charter Oak
What a great situation the defending champs are in, both these quarterbacks could start for just about anyone in the Valley, and the Chargers can take their time grooming the one they decide to go with because they have Adam Muema and Brandon Golden in the backfield. The word is that sophomore Santiago has a slight edge over the junior Thropay, but the key word is slight.

5. Jacob Shirley, South Hills
Assuming he returns, he's a top five. He started as a sophomore for West Covina High School and earned second team San Antonio league honors before transferring to South Hills and sitting out his junior season. A terrific athlete who can run and pass, he might be rusty at first, but he has arguably the best group of receivers and a fine running back in Jordan Canada and coach Steve Bogan to get him sharp again. He should be firing on all cylinders once the San Antonio league heats up.

It has been confirmed that quarterback Jacob Shirley did show up and practice with South Hills toward the end of their passing league, and is expected to return when the Huskies resume in a couple weeks in preparation for the 2010 season. As a sophomore Shirley earned second-team San Antonio honors for West Covina before transferring to South Hills. It took him a while to make a decision because he's a huge baseball prospect, having given a verbal commitment to UCLA. After sitting out last season's championship baseball run with the Huskies, he will be a huge addition to the baseball team as well. But in football, with Duarte senior transfer Jordan Canada and a stable of talented receivers, Shirley's arrival should shore up the Huskies' offense. Now, he still has to fight it out against two underclassmen, sophomore Vince Hernandez and junior Brock Booth, but with Shirley's experience and being a senior, it's hard to imagine him not starting if he's back on the sidelines. Another player we should mention, defensive end Ronnie Tennell, also transferred to South Hills from Northview. Tennel is 6-3 and 220, adding more depth to what already is a deep team. Now the question becomes, is this team suddenly becoming good enough to challenge Charter Oak for the Southeast Division title?

What the Tribune Newsroom looks like late at night ...

News reporter Jennifer McLain, the one with the horn in the middle, is leaving us to go to Grad School, so she created a Tribune Olympics with all the participants in the picture. Of course I'm leading after day three having bowled a 180 last week, and I expect to be on top of the podium when all if finished. BTW, Can you find Steve and I? I'm the one with the vertical....

Here's the deal, we're always looking for correspondents to cover Friday night football games, and since all the experts reside here, I thought I'd start with you. We generally don't ask that you write too much, and in some cases will just ask that you call in the box score with a recap of the game. You will receive a press pass to cover the games from the sidelines or in the press box, and be paid a small fee for your time. If you're a journalism major or thinking about it, this is ideal. If you're a football junkie who can spell, this will be great for you also. To be considered, please send an email with your contact information to set up an interview.
fred.robledo@sgvn.com

I know it can be a pain surfing through Maxpreps, but not anymore. Here are your local schedules, rosters and leaders simplified. I will post this throughout the 2009 season. Please coaches, fill out your MaxPreps info so we can all follow the area's athletes and teams.

<a href="http://www.maxpreps.com">MaxPreps High School Sports</a>

The L.A. Times' Bill Dwyre took a trip to Greenville, Tenn., and wrote a great piece on Bonita High School's Jiovanni Mier, who is batting .311 with two homers and 18 RBIs in 27 games.