There are no clear-cut favorites in the Sierra: Ayala coach Tom Inglima on Damien, "I don't care that their record is 1-4, they look very good."
By Pete Marshall, Bulletin: The Sierra League football season last year was quite a race, with Chino Hills, Ayala and Glendora finishing in a three-way tie for the top. These are the same three expected to battle for the top spot this year. As league play opens this week, perhaps a fourth team could battle for the league crown, too.
"I don't care that their record is 1-4," Ayala coach Tom Inglima said. "They look very good." That 1-4 team is Damien, which has played one of the toughest nonleague schedules around. Damien's nonleague opponents are a combined 22-4 this season, and the Spartans lost their past two games to La Puente Bishop Amat and Covina Charter Oak by a combined 12 points. To continue reading, click thread
When both Inglima and Damien coach Greg Gano found themselves at a Glendora game, they talked about which team had the more favorable league schedule.
Damien starts with Chino Hills and Glendora. Ayala begins its league season with Chino and Diamond Bar, two teams not expected to challenge for the league title.
"Ideally, you're building momentum, and last year we rode a six-game winning streak into the Chino Hills game, which we won," Inglima said. "There's a lot about building momentum. But it's about whoever can get to three wins (to get to the playoffs)."
Ayala probably had the weakest nonleague schedule of the top four, with a combined record of 8-17, Chino Hills is only marginally better at 10-17, and Glendora is in the middle with a 13-13-1 combined record for its nonleague opponents.
"The teams that we've played don't have an overall record that would impress anybody," Inglima said. "But I thought we had a good bye week."
Ayala, Chino Hills and Damien all had a bye week last week, with Glendora beating Placentia El Dorado, 24-3.
Inglima said the bye week helped his team get healthy, including offensive linemen Curtis Mowery and Matthew Moore, who had both missed time with ankle injuries.
Ayala isn't as lucky at punter, where L.B. Rodriguez has an MCL injury and won't be available for at least the start of league. In a league where field position is critical, his loss could be felt.
Ayala's offense is much more balanced than in years past. Two years ago, it was pass-oriented. Last year, it was run-oriented. Now, it's a little of both.
"Our offense has been up and down," Inglima said.
Diamond Bar's Andrew Cameron leads the league with 1,100 passing yards, but none of the quarterbacks for Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Damien, Glendora or Ayala have starting quarterbacks with more touchdown passes than interceptions.
Phillip Sainz has been the key to the Damien attack, rushing for 583 yards and four touchdowns in five games.
Chino Hills' Nate Harris, Glendora's Andre Holmes and Ayala's Mauricio Reynoso are Nos. 2, 3, and 4 in the league in rushing, but more than 200 yards behind Sainz.
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Too: Fan Hater and Ghs Defense.
What does it matter how long he was the main man in the middle? Glendoras defense is the best in the league. Im not taking anything away from holmes in jeffries they do step it up but glendora defense is no doubt the greatest aspect of the team. great line backers great defense of line and great db's.
COACH ARELLANES AND THE REST OF THE NORTHVIEW COACHING STAFF HAVE GOT TO STOP GIVING UP ON THEIR TEAM. THEY STAND AROUND LIKE THEY DONT CARE FOR THEIR OWN TEAM, AND WE ARE TIRED OF IT.HAVE SOME ENERGY, GET INTO THE GAME WATCH OTHER TEAMS, HOW THIER COACHES TREAT THEIR KIDS. FILM THAT AND MAYBE YOUR TEAM AND YOUR FANS WILL NOT GIVE UP ON YOU LIKE YOU GUYS GIVE UP ON THEM
Just a fan, apperently your the one who doesn't know football. I agree with you on there defense being good but not great.
Jefferies has thrown some picks but if you have been watching about 3 of those have been due to the receivers not being able to catch. And as far as you say" the offense hasnt taken the breath out of teams" your wrong! They sure choked the life out of Canyon of Anaheim and Diamond Ranch in the last 2 min. of the game to take the wins or did you just forget about that?
Why dont you go be a fan in another sport other then football !
just a fan...is this the first year #7 is playing LB? or at least the main man in the middle?
lets start with that
You didn't just say that to Grandpa Holmes?!! He's not going to be happy!!!
Wow you are the biggest idiot in the world tartans arnt #1 because the defense? what games have you been watching. that #7 on glendora team has been leading that defense like no other. Glendoras defense is better than any defense they have played. the offense is the one who isnt taking the breath out of the teams.. defense will make the stops than jefferies will throw a pick or holmes will get stuffed in the back field. you really dont know football do you?
I have now seen all four of the top sierra league teams play this year. As it stands, the best teams to me at this point are. (In this Order)
1. Damien- I watched a half of the bishop amat game. Theyre finally using the talent that theyve had over there for years but havent had the coaching to harness it until this year. Possibly the best team Ive seen there since ian johnson.
(This Week: Damien over Chino Hills)
2. Glendora- The only reason I didnt put my Tartans #1 is the Defense. Weve been giving up a ton of yards and points to running teams, our front three just aint matching up to bigger guys. BUT Andre Holmes You are a talent son, run through those Brahmas this week.
(This Week: Glendora over Diamond Bar)
3. Ayala- Watched the South Hills all I can say is Size Size Size. The biggest team in the league by far. 260 plus o line with two of them being 300 plus. BUT, NO SPEED!!! The Defense is still good as in years past but I cant see them stopping the pass against Glendora and Damien.
(This Week: Ayala over Chino)
4. Chino Hills- Saw the colony game and watched as their offense imploded. Contrary to Ayala they have no size and tons of speed. Their Offensive line doesnt open any holes or pass protect. I really cant believe they are ranked so high in the Central. However, their QB (I think its the same one as last year) has some speed to get out of the pocket and make passes like he did against us last year. They might have to do that with such crappy linemen.
5 Diamond Bar- Actually put some points on WC who beat us a couple weeks ago.
6.Chino- BAD! Hahaha