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?