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 Guru Says: It’s that time of year where the season is just about coming into focus and so is college football recruiting. I thought it would be a great idea to take a look the west coast schools and see where they stand from the point of view of the Inland Empire and the East San Gabriel Valley. For many football fans, the football season in college recruiting. So this week we will take a look at the Pac-10, next week the WAC and the Mountain West Conference. We’ll start with the defending Pac-10 champions…

Continue reading “The Scouting Guru breaks down PAC-10 recruiting for the I.E., and San Gabriel Valley schools” »

Charter Oak (3-0) is hosting Rancho Cucamonga (3-0) on Friday live on Fox Sports at 7:30 p.m. Both teams are 16-0-1 since last season and defending divisional champs. Their only blemish, a 14-14 tie against each other. We caught up with Rancho coach Nick Baiz to get his thoughts on the game.

Impression of Charter Oak
“They’re obviously a really good team, they have a ton of great athletes a good coaching staff, it’s a big concern.”
On what to focus on
“You have to start with their running back (Adam Muema), he’s a special player. We have to try and contain him before anything else.”
On this game having state playoff implications
“I don’t know about that, we have no say in those things. We’re treating it as a big game, if feels like a CIF championship type of game. We’re going to feed off the energy, but by no means is our season dependent on this game.”
Who does it mean more to?
“I can’t speak to that, that’s something you have to ask Lou. For us, we know it’s a big game. I wouldn’t say it’s a rivalry or anything. We know they’re a good team and defending CIF champions. The fact that it’s on TV probably adds a little more to it.”
On how his team is playing
“I thought our first two games were a little flat. I don’t know if our kids have played to their potential yet. They should get our best game on Friday.”
On his quarterback Greg Watson, who was offered by Oregon in the spring, but has since had that offer pulled off the table.
“He’s a phenomenal athlete and just a winner. He’s a great student, a great leader and a competitor. He’s one of those guys who hates to lose and plays that way.”
On how live television changes things.
“This is our first time being on television with our coaching staff and kids. I’m not sure if (the hype) is about the rematch of two 13-0-1 teams or the television, but I think the team that blocks out the television (aspect) the best may win the game. The team in awe of it may not be as focused.”
Last year’s game ended in a 14-14 tie, will there be a tiebreaker this time in case of another tie?
“I don’t think either one of us will agree to a tie. It will be settled one way or another.”

Below: Rancho Cucamonga QB Greg Watson

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. Arroyo High School football coach Jim Singiser did last year, and now his decision is paying dividends. The Knights, who were just 3-8 last year, have broken out from the gate quick, winning their first two games, and are ranked No. 3 in this week’s CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division poll. The big reason for the resurgence is the Knights’ vertical game, led by sophomore quarterback Steven Rivera, who started as a freshman, and senior receiver Chris Rodriguez.

Continue reading “Arroyo QB Steven Rivera and WR Chris Rodriguez proving to be a dangerous combination” »

We mentioned a while back that South Hills infielder Jacob Shirley had a given a verbal to attend UCLA in baseball. It appears that Glendora pitcher Adam Plutko is joining him. The Times is reporting than both plan on making it official on the Nov. 11 signing day.

Above: Bishop Amat runner Samantha Cabrera.

By Andrew J. Campa, Staff Writer
A combination of heat, sand and fatigue made Wednesday afternoon’s Camino Del Rey Association cross country cluster meet challenging and rewarding. While the individual times were a bit down for Santa Fe Dam’s fast course, that didn’t stop a few locals from putting up solid performances in the combo meet that joined the Camino Real and Del Rey leagues.

Continue reading “Cross Country: Locals do well at Santa Fe Dam” »

The Tribune’s Fred Robledo, Steve Ramirez and Time Warner’s popular Reginald Miller discuss four of Friday’s top games. Don’t miss it!

Friday’s games
Rancho Cucamonga (3-0) at Charter Oak (3-0), 7:30 p.m.
Bishop Amat (2-0) at Damien (1-2), 7 p.m.
San Dimas (3-0) at Monrovia (3-0), 7 p.m.
Glendora (1-1) at West Covina (0-3), 7 p.m.

Fred J. Robledo
Damien football coach Greg Gano was finally able to exhale following Friday’s 24-0 victory over Claremont, but now he takes another deep breath with parochial rival Bishop Amat in town next.
The undefeated Lancers (2-0) visit the Spartans (1-2) on Friday after Gano and Co. desperately avoided an 0-3 start. “You can say that again,” Gano said. “You don’t want to face those guys spinning your wheels and with your confidence shaken, and that’s really what it’s about for us.” To continue reading, click thread

Continue reading “Bishop Amat-Damien, who do you like?” »