August 2010 Archives

I absolutely agree with No. 1: Will local coaches spare the SGVN a world of stringer hurt by putting their rosters on MaxPreps?

The Mission Valley League is what it is, a two-horse race between defending league champion Arroyo and Rosemead. If you thought the distance between the two and the rest of the field was growing last year, they might be lapping the field this year. No disrespect to South El Monte, El Monte, Gabrielino and Mountain View, but it's clear they're playing for third until they can prove otherwise. And that's what it's all about really, there always is a surprise, and there needs to be. The Mission Valley stumbled last year, falling behind the Montview in terms lowest rated league in the Valley. Let's see if they can bounce back, here's how we think it will unfold.

Above: Arroyo QB Steven Rivera

1. Arroyo -- Cleary, they have a quarterback in Steven Rivera that is an absolute stud. We talk a lot of Glendora's Chad Jeffries, Charter Oak's Travis Santiago, Rowland's Michael Ball and Bishop Amat's Rio Ruiz, but believe me when I say at the end of the year Rivera will lead all in touchdowns and passing. Doesn't mean he's the best, but he belongs in the conversation, and there are just too many teams on the schedule he's going to torch.

2. Rosemead -- As much as we like Rivera, the Panthers have a stud at running back in senior Matt Fregoso. Just like Rivera, he may be among the area's leading rushers when all is said and done, and is a reason why the Panthers might upset the Knights. PIck your poison, do you go with the quarterback or running back in a game that matters. I'll bet most coaches would gamble on the RB. And the Panthers have the guys on D to scare Arroyo. However, it's still the Knights league to lose.

3. El Monte -- Mark this down, the Lions could be a sleeper. QB Manual Santa Cruz did well over the summer, and threw for over 1,000 yards in just four games. They also return 14 starters from a team that went 1-9, but that was because they couldn't stop anyone, which they have to shore up. Offensively, this team has weapons and can score points. If they prove they can defend, watch out.

4. South El Monte -- It was clearly a rebuilding year for the Eagles, who normally are in the league title chase conversation. They also gave Rosemead a great game before losing 31-28 last year, but also finished 3-8. I'm not expecting that again, coach Ray Hernandez is better than that, and will prove it this year. While the Eagles sort out their QB, RB Billy Valencia could hold the keys, because the Eagles have to establish some sort of run game. And defensively, they need to get after it much better.

5. Gabrielino -- Kind of a mystery under new coach Harold Sanin, and would be great to see them return to the days earlier this decade when they competed for league titles, but have to see it before we believe it. They have some talent like Eduardo Moreno and Isaac Garcia and have some key returners back. But depth has become a big issue, and the Eagles have little of it.

6. Mountain View -- One of the great things new coach James Wilson said is you don't want to dwell on going 0-10, but you don't want to forget it either. Let's face it, futbol not football is king at Mountain View, and that's not likely to change anytime soon. The Vikings usually have problems in the trenches, and thus have a difficult time stopping anyone or blocking for impact players. Will it change? That remains to be seen.

Aram and I will discuss the two-minute drills on video this season, today we talk about San Dimas-Bonita and Glendora-Charter Oak. On Wednesday we preview Rowland-Baldwin Park and West Covina-Covina.

It isn't just the Bonita High School football team that's had to adjust in the wake of quarterback Garrett Pendleton's elbow injury. San Dimas, which opens the season against the Bearcats on Friday night, also has had to do some adapting. The Saints were preparing on defense for Pendleton, but with the senior expected to miss 4-6 weeks backup Greg Spathias will be the man under center. There could be some wildcat formations coming San Dimas' way, too.

For the fourth consecutive year, Steve Ramirez and I will go head-to-head throughout the season for our annual end-of-season who pays the dinner bill bet. Steve beat me in 2007, but I came back and won 2008 and '09 by going 189-44 to Steve's 173-60 last year.

This week's games: Steve and I differ on several right off the bat. I like Glendora, San Dimas, Rowland, El Rancho and Santa Margarita while Steve goes with Charter Oak, Bonita, Baldwin Park, Los Altos and Diamond Ranch, a difference in five games. It just goes to show how exciting zero week has become. I like Glendora because of the experience of QB Chad Jeffries, and the uncertainty of Charter Oak's defense, especially with top notch DBs like Brandon Golden, A.J. Powell, and linebackers Keith Smith and Leon Youngblood graduated. I feel good about San Dimas because Bonita won't have QB Garrett Pendleton, and the Saints are unveiling a hurry-up offense, like the Wing T wasn't already tough enough to prepare for. Rowland, across the board is too tough for Baldwin Park, and can't wait to see QB Michael Ball return. Diamond Ranch is still a question with so many starters graduated, and a tough roadie to Orange County won't make it any easier. El Rancho is a tough Whittier area school, and with all the uncertainly still at Los Altos, I couldn't pick'em yet. And oh yeah, there's Bishop Amat, which we both agree on. But this won't be a slam dunk. Garfield reminds me of Amat two years ago, a hungry team with something to prove and if you think Bishop Amat are a bunch of hard-hat kids, expect that an then some from the East L.A. hosts.

Thursday's game
Ganesha at Montclair, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Montclair); Ramirez (Montclair)
Friday's games
Charter Oak vs. Glendora at Citrus College, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Glendora); Ramirez (Charter Oak).
San Dimas at Bonita, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (San Dimas); Ramirez (Bonita).
Rowland at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Rowland); Ramirez (Baldwin Park).
Garfield vs. Bishop Amat at ELAC, 7:30 p.m. -- Robledo (BAmat); Ramirez (BAmat).
Covina at West Covina, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (WCovina); Ramirez (WCovina)
Nogales at Diamond Bar, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (DBar); Ramirez (DBar)
Ontario at Arroyo, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Arroyo); Ramirez (Arroyo)
Garey at Pomona, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Pomona); Ramirez (Pomona)
Los Altos at El Rancho, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (El Rancho); Ramirez (Los Altos)
Ayala at Don Lugo, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Ayala); Ramirez (Ayala)
Chino Hills vs. Mayfair at Bellflower, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (CHills); Ramirez (CHills)
Diamond Ranch vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (SMargarita); Ramirez (DRanch)
Bassett at Keppel, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Bassett); Ramirez (Bassett)

Aram and I will discuss the two-minute drills on video this season, starting today with Bishop Amat and Garfield. We will post a few each day, others planned are Glendora-Charter Oak, Rowland-Baldwin Park, West Covina-Covina, and Los Altos-El Rancho.

The Montview race is going to be interesting, because unlike in previous years, the Montview is only guaranteed two playoff spots, with the rest hoping to earn an at-large, which could prove to be quite a chore. It will be important for the Montview to play well in the preseason, and it's a league that improved mightily last year, and should be improved across the board. Azusa is head-and-shoulders above the rest, but several like La Puente, Gladstone, Sierra Vista and Workman are gaining on them.

1. Azusa -- In his first two years coach Joe Scherf has gone 21-4, won two league titles and has advanced to the Mid-Valley Division quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. It's a completely mentality change that players have bought into. More players are staying at the school, players that didn't normally go out for football and showing up in droves. This is the result of winning, and they're doing it home-grown style. Kudos to the Aztecs.

2. La Puente -- The Warriors were 8-3 overall and second in the Montview behind new coach Brandon Rohrer, who should give Azusa all it can handle in his second season. Senior RB Jose Perez should be a force in the Warriors' Wing T, but defensively, they're solid with LB Jesse Gutierrez and Pedro Candia.

3. Workman -- I'm taking a shot here with new coach Scott Morrison, and like what they have returning in RB/S Gabriel Fychok and with lineman Steven Miranda and Ismael Villaviscencio. Morrison has won titles in much tougher leagues and like Rohrer, could turn around a team that already was on its way back after going 6-5 last year.

4. Gladstone -- The Gladiators returned somewhat to form by going 7-4 overall and return plenty of talent for 12th year coach Albert Sanchez. They will be tough to compete with in the backfield with Jhossep Juarez and Joe Herrera and if they improve on defense, they could be competing for the No. 2 spot, but not sure they have enough to topple Azusa.

5. Sierra Vista -- One thing I know for certain, and that is that coach Keith Locklear is one of the hardest working coaches there is. He gave up coaching the girls varsity basketball team, which he did wonders with, to focus on football. He loves to throw the ball around, but the Dons need to prove they can play defense after allowing an average of 25 points in 2009.

6. Ganesha -- After dropping from the Valle Vista League, many are wondering what to expect from the Giants. They started improving last year, even beating Northview to end a long league losing streak. They will have more to prove in the Montview, a league that seems like the perfect fit.

7. Bassett -- The Olympians finally settled on new coach Aubrey Duncan, a no-nonsense Pasadena High graduate who took over late, but seems to have a handle on thigns. This is a wait-and-see, but they do have some impact players in Michael Pena and Alejandro Camacho.

8. Duarte -- The Falcons hope to return to be more competitive after going 0-10 last year after the departure of so many players to neighboring school following the firing of coach Wardell Crutchfield. The numbers are better and they will improve, but not sure they're ready to climb out of the cellar just yet.

Are you ready for football? Believe me, we're tired of transfer talk and training camps, and like you, we're ready for Thursday and Friday night football. Our first-ever preview magazine, TribXtra, hits newstands and home delivery on Wednesday. So, lets shift the focus to the games. These were my final words before the 2007 season, but the message is always the same. 2010, here we come.

For the players who started during the early days of spring and continued through the brutal summer of two-a-days, it's lights, camera and action time.
But it's also a time not to take for granted.
As any former football player worth his helmet can attest to, the wins and losses are never forgotten, but the basic lessons in life are applied forever.
You'll know about sacrifice, unselfishness, brotherhood, camaraderie, and it will be taught and drilled into your head from coaches who will go down as some of the best role modes you ever had.
So are you ready, because the next 15 weeks are yours.
Enjoy it, soak it up, and revel in it.
The stage is yours to perform in, so take it with class, integrity and a passion for the game that inspires those little kids peaking over the fence who someday hope to wear your jersey.
After all, it's never too early to be a role model.

The Times' Eric Sondheimer has been busy reporting on one athletically motivated transfer after another, and it appears coaches are growing tired of the rule and how it's enforced. Just today, The Southern Section has declared junior quarterback Chase Favreau from Huntington Beach Edison ineligible for this season, ruling his transfer from Santa Ana Mater Dei was athletically motivated. "We're pretty much in shock," Coach Dave White said. White said the lack of the consistency in how the Southern Section decides whether a student moved for athletic reasons concerns him. That's a shocker, a player transferring from Mater Dei to another school declared athletically motivated. Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't that mean Mater Dei would have had to challenge the transfer? White told the O.C. Register they're not accepting CIF's decision quietly. "We're going to fight this one ... to the hilt," White said. "It's totally ridiculous. ... We've got some angry people at Edison." Earlier, Norco had three players declared ineligible for athletically motivated reasons.. "This year, schools are really taking time to protest the transfers," said Southern Section spokesman Thom Simmons.

Can you imagine a scenario where Greg Gano, Lou Farrar and Steve Bogan all don't make the playoffs? Obviously not likely, but it wouldn't be a shock either considering the depth of the new Sierra League, where if you had to pencil in the worst team on paper, it might be Ayala or Damien, teams that would compete for a league title in any other league in our area. It's great banter and what you want to see from a fans perspective, quality and traditionally rich teams going head-to-head every week knowing half of them won't even make the playoffs. Even finishing third is not ideal, not when a playoff bid likely means facing a monster seed in the first-round of the Inland playoffs. But hey, it's going to be fun isn't it. Here's how it shakes out.

Above: Charter Oak coach Lou Farrar won the "Drive for Five" with last year's Southeast Division title, but the drive for a playoff spot in the Sierra could prove just as difficult for Farrar, South Hills coach Steve Bogan and Damien's Greg Gano. Enjoy it, it's not that often that you get the area's three winningest coaches with 13 CIF titles between them all competing in the same league.

1. Chino Hills -- This team has grown on me. Just about every person you speak with, including some coaches in the Sierra, say this is the team to beat by far. Nate harris and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu combined for 23 rushing touchdowns, with Edpre-Olomu also hauling in 45 receptions for 712 yards and seven TDs. They dominated lineman camps over the summer, finished in a three-way tie for the Sierra and finished 10-3, beating Elsinore and Etiwanda easily before losing to Upland in the semifinals of the Central Division last season. If you remember, Charter Oak struggled to a one-point victory over Etiwanda, and that was with a far superior team than they have this year, while the Huskies return a majority of impact players that produced last year's great season.

2. Charter Oak -- Even with everything said about Chino Hills, I was prepared a week ago to put the Chargers on top, then they lost some depth with Chris Gilchrist and Aaron Vaughns declared ineligible. Josiah Thropay and Dennis Rufus will still be a potent combination for QB Travis Santiago, but outside of Andy Orozco, they have a lot to prove on both sides of the line. But what the two-time defending Southeast champs have on the rest is confidence, and a coaching staff as good as any from top to bottom that the southern section has to offer.

3. South Hills -- You're kidding right? They just lost four players to neighboring schools and WR Jamie Canada could be out the season with a knee injury. I'm buying because two-way lineman Sioasi Aiono, Jeff Vargas and Peter Nonu are as legit as it gets, and you can't advance in this league without the horse's up front, which they've got. Vince Hernandez will be among the area's best QBs, and Jamel Hart among the area's best RBs. The Huskies will once again be extremely tough on defense, and if they get Canada back by league, they might even scare Charter Oak or Chino Hills. Your biggest concern if you're a Husky fan is the swag. Do they still have it after back-to-back losses to Diamond Ranch in the playoffs? Do they have it after watching players flee the program? We're about to find out.

4. Claremont -- People are telling me, including Aram, that this could be the second best team in the Sierra after Pomona High RB Taj Teague transferred to the Wolfpack last week, giving them the one missing piece they sorely needed. Teague could be a monster and is a Division I prospect, and a perfect complement to QB Daniel Kessler, who threw for 2,419 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. This is a team supposedly getting relief by going from the Baseline to the Sierra, but I picked them in this spot because I couldn't ignore some nonleague losses last year, particularly a 24-0 loss to Damien and just a squeaky 31-28 win over Bonita. They got crushed by everyone in the Baseline except 0-10 Alta Loma, whom they defeated, 45-21. I'm not buying the hype until I see them beat quality teams. And they have to prove they can play better defense.

5. Ayala -- The Bulldogs stay out of the cellar and get the edge on Damien because of defense, where they return six starters on a team that lost just 14-7 to Chino Hills, and allowed an average of just 15 points a year ago. They might be offensively challenged again, but coach Tom Inglima's team rode its defense to a title two years ago, and that seems to be this team's M.O., once again.

6. Damien -- If you listen to coach Gano, he'll tell you this is too generous. I know he doesn't really believe that, but on paper it sure looks like they have the least amount of impact players on the roster. RB/WR James Ramirez and LB/RB David Griffith could emerge, but they will have an inexperienced QB, and will have a lot to prove on both sides of the line. But Damien's always has depth, and with a coaching staff as good as this one, something tells me they will compete, and might even surprise a few.

It's late and I don't know all the details, but a blogger alerted me to CIF's website, where in fact Charter Oak WR/DB Chris Gilchrist has been granted a valid change of address transfer on Friday after being denied by Southern Section officials earlier in the week after South Hills wrote a letter to CIF, alleging that Gilchrist's transfer to Charter Oak was athletically motivated. This is great news for Gilchrist, but another confusing decision from CIF. Why would CIF declare Gilchrist's transfer athletically motivated, then have an immediate change of heart a few days later? While it takes some schools weeks to get a hearing to make an appeal, apparently something happened within a matter of days for the Section to change its decision. The bottom line is, however, another kid was spared a horrible rule that needs changing.

Our very own Andrew J. Campa has been all over the St. Paul story for the Whittier Daily News, breaking the news that Ancich is returning. St. Paul High School principal Kate Aceves confirmed the Swordsmen will have a near full coaching staff at tonight's 3-way football scrimmage as nearly the entire varsity staff has been reinstated after a school-imposed eight-day suspension prompted by an investigation by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles into an alleged hazing incident.

The Glendora & Charter Oak Varsity Football Teams will be working together this Saturday August 28th from 12:30-3:30, to help raise awareness and support for the *YMCA - 'WINGS" organization. (To continue, click thread).

It has been confirmed that during Sept. 9-11 coaches from Duke, North Carolina, UCLA, USC, UNLV, Arizona, Stanford, Pepperdine, Wake Forrest, Washington, Arizona State, Loyola and UC Irvine will be visiting La Verne Lutheran's campus to take a look at hot basketball prospects, 6-foot-9 junior forward Grant Jerrett and sophomore guard Eric Cooper Jr., the son of coach Eric Cooper. Both players are nationally ranked at their positions and graduating classes. While most coaches will likely be assistants, we have been told there could be some prominent head coaches visiting as well. Those are just the underclassmen, senior C.J. Cooper already has been offered scholarships at UC Irvine, UTEP, Boise State and Montana State. Senior Bruce English, who hit the game-winning shot in the Trojans' CIF championship game, has been offered by Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine.

In other La Verne Lutheran news, the team is competing in three prestigious out-of-state competitions in December. They are competing in the Myrtle Beach tournament in South Carolina, the Pro Bass tournament in Springfield MN., a showcase game in Las Vegas, and are hosting their own showcase at the University of La Verne in January, which will include San Diego high powers Lincoln, Hoover, and three schools from up north, including Oakland High.

Safe to say, we've finally got a true national power in the San Gabriel Valley.

The newly formed Hacienda League provides for some interesting football matchups here in the San Gabriel Valley. The seven-team league features a combination of former San Antonio League affiliates West Covina, Rowland and Walnut in addition to Miramonte League affiliated Bonita, Los Altos and Diamond Ranch, along with the former Sierra League Diamond Bar. The new league will continue to pit the former league teams against each other so the Walnut-Rowland rivalry will continue as well as the Bonita-Diamond Ranch rivalry and so on.

"Our kids are Diamond Bar kids, so we're all gonna play with kids from both sides. I know people from both sides and both sides want this game. The connection to Walnut is because they are in the district, but I don't think it will be as big as the Diamond Bar-Diamond Ranch game because these are kids who grew up playing together when they were younger and it is for city rights. It is going to be gauntlet style to see who wins. We're excited for it. It is a game I've been wanting since I became the coach at Diamond Ranch." -- Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton on facing Diamond Bar

I can't be there tonight, we have a meeting with our correspondents, but would love to hear what Amat nation thinks of tonight's scrimmage. Tomorrow night Aram and I are headed to Damien to watch their scrimmage against Bonita at 6:30 p.m.. Also, Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton texted to say Saturday's Black/Blue scrimmage is at 11 a.m., and all the public is welcome. If there are any other scrimmages tonight through Saturday, feel free to post the time and locations.

I ran into a Northview lineman at Tijuana's, one of my favorite taco joints on San Bernardino road in Covina. He said some interesting things on how well Northview is doing under new coach Marcel Perez, and that the new atmosphere is paying off. But then he followed with something like "we're going to take league and CIF," and said it so convincingly that I didn't have the heart to tell him they really have no chance. But that's what two-a-days and the summer are supposed to produce, optimism. But here we talk reality, and the reality is the defending Mid-Valley Division champs aren't gong anywhere. Here is how the Valle Vista shakes out...On Friday we break down the rough and tough Sierra.

1. San Dimas -- This is a team that loses QB Shawn Kennedy to an injury, then learns of the fortunate news that a quarterback from up north transfers into the program, and from what I hear he's pretty darn good. Why we're talking QBs on a team that runs the Wing T to perfection tells you how stacked the Saints are. Jordan Taylor and Allen Brown are a handful in the backfield, Kevin Kolbeck is a money go-to-receiver, and coach Bill Zernickow is one of the best. 'nuff said.

2. Baldwin Park -- This is the only team that has a shot to knock off San Dimas, and it's a real opportunity. James Heggins' teams have been knocking on the door and Wardell Crutchfield III is probably the best linebacker in the league, plus he can run the ball too and will be asked to do a lot more. After sitting out a year after transferring from Duarte, Demetrius Jackson is set to go. You add him to the line strength the Braves had, and this very well could be a team that competes for it all.

3. Wilson -- This is a case of buying or selling and I'm buying. I really believe coach Brian Zavala is a program guy and has been licking his chops for the opportunity to move to the VVL. RB Moses Vega is a stud, but what this team will do is play defense. There's a big difference from facing Charter Oak and Diamond Ranch in the Miramonte to going head up with San Dimas and Baldwin Park. Something tells me the Cats are going to be in the mix.

4. Covina -- All conversations start and end with QB Billy Livingston. He's only a junior but proved last year he's talented and is a perfect fit in coach Darryl Thomas' spread offense. They also have the fastest high school sprinter in the country in Remontay McClain and a WR/DB named Randy Robledo, so what's not to like about them.

5. Pomona -- I would have penciled them in at No. 3, but with the recent loss of RB Taj Teague to Claremont, Pomona loses a first-team all-leaguer from a year ago. New coach Anthony Rice did wonders at his previous stint at Colony, and a few of those players are now at Pomona. But Pomona also lost a few with Rice's arrival, so this is a wait and see.

6. Nogales -- When the Nobles coaching job opened up, some coaches told me this was the best opportunity in the Valley because of the kids on campus, especially the ones who weren't playing. Well, that opportunity belongs to new coach Sebastian Hernandez. I kind of felt bad for the Nobles last season in the San Antonio. There was no way they could compete with South Hills, West Covina, then had to deal with Walnut and Rowland during one of their good cycles. Going to the VVL is surely relief, and I won't be surprised if they compete for a playoff spot. I've heard great things from people on campus raving about the work they're putting in, but lets wait until the lights turn on.

7. Northview -- Is this as good as it gets for the Vikes? It was just a couple years ago this was a top ten team in the Valley, but they slipped so far last season, going 1-9 and 0-5 in the VVL, which included that remarkable 16-10 loss to Ganesha. I wanna believe the kid who tells me they're fighting for a league title and want to believe Perez is up for it, but he's a coach, not a miracle worker. BTW, watch out for RB Marquise Thomas and a sophomore named Javon Taylor.

"Just because you change principals doesn't mean you should change principles," Southern Section Director of Information Thom Simmons said. "As members of CIF, South Hills has the right, responsibility and duty to make the rules as part of the organization which they are members of."
"It's disappointing that South Hills took so long to do this," Simmons said. "I can't remember challenges ever happening this late. I can't say it's never happened, but I just don't remember any happening this late. I know one thing for a fact, no school has ever challenged as many as South Hills. The rule has only been in a place for a couple of years, so there's not a lot of history. But in those two years, nobody's challenged as many."

... In fairness, I believe Duarte challenged as many if not more last year.

I'll take a shot, this is how I would rank the top five public high school football teams if everyone had to use its own home-grown talent. Kind of an interesting thought, isn't it? Don't know Chino Hills or Ayala area's well enough, so sticking with our traditional schools.

1. Glendora
2. West Covina
3. Bonita
4. Charter Oak
5. Rowland

There have been some good points brought up on this thread. If we opened this conversation up to the entire SGV, Muir would be No. 1 hands down, followed probably by Monrovia then West Covina.

I just spoke with Bonita's 6-foot-4 quarterback Garrett Pendleton, who feared he could be lost for the season after suffering a fracture near the right elbow of this throwing arm last week. After seeing doctors, it was determined he has a hairline fracture and does not need a cast. He is expected out 4-6 weeks and there is a good possibility he could return by the start of Hacienda League play. "I have been better but it could have been worse," Pendleton said. "When it first happened, I thought all the hard work I put in was for nothing. Now to learn it might only be four weeks and maybe six, and that I might be back for league is great news. I'm hoping to be back as soon as I can." Interesting Note: About two hours after posting this, I got a call from a Pac-10 coach asking about the health of Pendleton, and what we thought of him. The coach said he is someone they're taking a close look at.

If we're to assume the best teams in the area are Bishop Amat, Charter Oak, Chino Hills, Glendora and possibly South Hills, and that the Pac-5 and the Inland Division are far superior than the Southeast or Mid-Valley Divisions, then the Valley's best mid-major is the new Hacienda League. I'm not saying Diamond Ranch, West Covina, Bonita and so forth couldn't compete with teams in the Sierra or teams in the Inland (I won't go there in the Pac-5), but they have to prove they can dominate and win championships, such as Charter Oak, to be among the discussion of top programs. The Hacienda will be an interesting race, bringing West Covina and Diamond Ranch closer together, creating a huge rivalry between the Diamond schools, and including the area's winningest program of all-time, Los Altos, a school easy to forget because of its recent struggles. So how's this going to shake out. Let's take a look. I will rank the Valle Vista on Thursday, Sierra on Friday, Montview Tuesday, Mission Valley Wednesday, Serra and Baseline Thursday, and let the games begin on Friday.

1. West Covina -- The size up front on both sides, a third-year starting quarterback and enough running backs to give new meaning to the word depth. If the Bulldogs aren't plagued by injuries, such as they were last year, this is the team to beat. Not just in the Hacienda, but in the Southeast.
2. Diamond Ranch -- Coach Roddy Layton is on a mission, and now that Charter Oak is gone there are no excuses. This is the team that beat South Hills two straight years in the playoffs, not many schools can say that. Although they graduated a few players, it was obvious at a recent practice that this is a program that reloads, not rebuilds. I mean, athletes everywhere, and the spirit was there. With their nonleague schedule lighter than years past, I don't expect them to start 1-5 or 0-5 like years past.
3. Rowland -- Yes, the return of quarterback Michael Ball. This kid was so sensational as a sophomore, then broke his collarbone in the league opener against Walnut as junior. Think of it, Ball battled eventual champion Charter Oak in the semifinals as soph, that experience is invaluable. Even with Ball going down, the Raiders competed, have a lot returning and coach Craig Snyder is not to be undervalued as a coach, in fact, he's one of our best.
4. Diamond Bar -- Yes I said it, the Brahmas check in here over some other notable teams. Even though they got spanked by Walnut and West Covina in nonleague games last year, I like the Brahmas in this spot. This is a team that didn't have problems scoring points, and returns senior QB Andrew Cameron, who averaged 179 yards a game. They have a lot returning and the new league is a chance for them to reinvent themselves, especially with Diamond Ranch in it. Remember, back in the 80s the purple was among the valley giants.
5. Bonita -- Oh I can hear it now, what are you thinking Fred J? I hope K.C. (inside blog joke) is settled in for this but it's pretty simple, if they don't have 6-foot-4 QB Garrett Pendleton healthy by the start of league, then No. 5 is pretty generous. Even with Pendleton, I would have ranked Bonita No. 4 behind Rowland. Having said that, this is a wait-and-see. From everything I've heard (from Bonita supporters) if Pendleton is ready by league, this is a team capable of winning league. They might wind up being the area's biggest surprise, but after watching them the past two years, I've got to see it before I believe it.
6. Walnut -- This is a balanced league when you're ranking a Walnut at No. 6. My issue is, I thought Walnut was good enough to compete for the San Antonio last year after starting 5-0, then what happened. A 27-7 loss to a Rowland team that lost Ball during the game. A 31-11 loss to West Covina and another spanking to South Hills and the playoff dreams were over. And guess what, this team isn't as good as last year, though they do have some playmakers. Again, let's wait and see, they did beat Bonita in a non-league finale.
7. Los Altos -- Ouch, the winningest program in Valley history picked last. It's the sign of the times, I guess. There would be no better story than new coach Jim Arellanes somehow bringing the Conqs back to glory, or even contention in his first season but it doesn't appear they have the horse's. Simply put, the rest of the league is just better.

I had a brief conversation with CIF-SS spokesperson Thom Simmons, who officially confirmed that South Hills formally challenged the transfers of Aaren Vaughns and Chris Gilchrist to Charter Oak based on the belief these were athletically motivated transfers. South Hills also challenged QB Brock Booth's transfer to Bishop Amat, who has already been denied eligibility on the grounds of an athletically motivated transfer. We also learned that Randal Varela's transfer from South Hills to Bishop Amat has been officially challenged by the Huskies administration. So, here's where we're at with the other three players, noting that Booth is appealing his transfer denial.

... Gilchrist has been declared ineligible by the CIF-SS this morning based on an athletically motivated transfer.
.. Varela is cleared as of now based on a valid change of address, but that could change if South Hills can prove to CIF-SS officials that it was an athletically motivated transfer.
...CIF has not ruled on Vaughns as of today...

Finally, South Hills has taken some abuse on the blogs after changing its philosophy on challenging transfers that leave the school. So much that it provoked a one-liner from Simmons, the CIF-SS spokesperson who said, and I quote .. "Just because you change principals doesn't mean you should change principles," Simmons said. Read all of Simmons' comments, he made some interesting points in terms of the system CIF has in place, in addition to criticizing South Hills for taking so long to file their paperwork.

Bishop Amat sophomore all-purpose back Dionza Blue was expected to be one of the Lancers' big up-and-comers after a sensational freshman year before transferring to Chaminade, where he was cleared to compete in March. However, Blue returned to Bishop Amat over the summer and as of Tuesday, was cleared to play for Bishop Amat by the CIF-Southern Section after a valid change of address transfer request from Amat was upheld. Amat coach Steve Hagerty said Blue had been practicing with the junior varsity because he wasn't sure of his playing status, adding, "He came back late in the summer, is a good kid and will certainly add depth, Hagery said. "He is an athletic kid who can catch the ball and run the ball. He's a good young hybrid player that can fill in a lof of places." BTW, Dionza Blue? Why would you ever leave Amat with a name like that? You want video of the Blue Blur, here it is, see for yourself.

As soon as I post enough of transfergate, I get the tip an another this morning. Pomona first-year head coach Anthony Rice confirmed that Taj Teague, a Valle Vista Legue first-team running back as a junior after rushing for 800 yards, has transferred to Claremont High. Teague, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, is expected to be among the Valley's best rushers and would have been a key figure in Pomona's Valle Vista league title hopes under Rice, who is hoping to reshape the program after success at his previous stint at Colony. If many of you are wondering if Pomona will challenge Teague's transfer to Claremont citing "athletically motivated" reasons given what has transpired in recent days, Rice says no and wishes Teague well. "Let him play," Rice said. "I don't challenge anything, if he (Teague) wants to go to Claremont so be it. I wish the kid the best of luck and hope he has a great senior year. You hate to lose a kid of that caliber, but it's his choice."

Somehow this doesn't seem fair, Bonita loses QB Garrett Pendleton to injury while rival San Dimas adds one from the Northern section....Here's the scoop: Kodee Watts, who played last season at Denair High School near Modesto, has transferred to San Dimas and will be the Saints' starting quarterback on Sept. 3 in the Smudge Pot game against Bonita.

If you're like me, you hate searching Maxpreps for schedules, rosters and statistics for area teams, so once again I have created a MaxPreps widget for local teams, which now includes Chino Hills, Ayala, Claremont, Pomona and Ganesha. Once schools start inputting rosters, this will be invaluable. Already you can click on the team rankings to see how MaxPreps ranks the area. Once stats are inputted, you can see where area players rank against each other. Of course, this only works if teams input rosters and stats, so get on it coaches and boosters, don't be one of the few holdouts, all the kids deserve coverage.

By Aram Tolegian
South Hills High School athletic director Paul Reed confirmed Monday night that the school has filed a protest with the CIF Southern Section office in regard to the transfers of sophomore running back Aaren Vaughns and junior wide receiver Chris Gilchrist. Reed said that South Hills is alleging that the transfers were athletically motivated and should not be allowed. The protests were made in late July at the same time South Hills also protested the transfer of Brock Booth to Bishop Amat. CIF denied Booth eligibility until April of 2011, thus costing the senior his final chance to play prep football. (To continue reading, click thread).

The coaches have had their say, and Bishop Amat High School is No. 1. Area coaches were asked to participate in a coaches poll that ranked the top 20 teams in the Valley. Some declined or did not respond, but the majority did vote and Amat received the most first-place votes and total points. "We're flattered the coaches think enough of our program to think we're the top team in the San Gabriel Valley," Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty said. "I'm fired up, but in a respectful way it really means nothing. I hope they're right. I hope they're prophets and they are absolutely correct."

I told you this could be coming now that schools are filing transfer requests. It appears that Bishop Amat tight end Brock Booth will not be eligible, at least to start the season. Booth's transfer request from South Hills to Bishop Amat has been denied, according to the CIF-SS webpage. Booth left South Hills before the summer, and though he initially wanted to try out at quarterback, he settled in at tight end and looked good in Friday's scrimmage. South Hills apparently challenged Booth's transfer, and he was denied for athletically motivated reasons, according to CIF-SS spokesperson Thom Simmons. CIF's website said Booth was denied on Friday and is not eligible to play sports at Amat until April. To further that, I have been checking CIF's website on the eligibility of RB Aaren Vaughns and WR Chris Gilchrist, two other South Hills players that have transferred to Charter Oak. Also, Randal Varela transferred from South Hills to Bishop Amat. As of today, there is nothing new to report on the aforementioned transfers, it appears the transfer request paperwork still has not been filed for Gilchrist, Vaughns or Varela. But with Booth being declared ineligible for athletically motivated reasons, you have to wonder about the eligibility of other South Hills transfers. We will keep you posted when we learn more.

Bonita QB Garrett Pendleton injures right elbow, coach Eric Podley awaiting MRI, more details later. "We're not positive on the extent of the injury yet," Podley said. "He's had differing opinions from different doctors and we don't really know what's wrong yet."

With Pendleton possibly out a few weeks along with South Hills' Jamie Canada, who is scheduled to have knee surgery and could miss the entire season, Aram and I discussed the losses to both teams, and who it might affect more.

Aram was at Bishop Amat's Blue-Gold scrimmage on Friday, got this interview with coach Hagerty, gives his first impression on the Big River, AKA Nine, Rio Ruiz, and the blockbuster news that could leave Amat nation feeling Dionza Blue Offense: Guess what, Nine was under center and Jalen Moore started at tailback. Moore got the bulk of the carries with the first-team offense. Adam Sanchez started at one receiver, but Wallace Gonzalez did not come in until the third play. That could just be a package thing. Brock Booth started at tight end and looked good physically, but didn't get any balls thrown his way. The line looked big enough, but not necessarily big.

Chino Hills Tom, AKA .. The Inland Insider, is a longtime friend who keeps me posted and reports back on events happening in the I.E., particularly at Chino Hills and Ayala. He's already working the area, sharing a Q&A with Chino Hills coach Derek Bub, lineman Austin Johnson, Jr., Nate Harris and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu...

Breaking news from Whittier Prep Editor Andrew J. Campa: St. Paul High School Principal Kate Aceves suspended the varsity football coaching staff Thursday and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles launched an investigation Friday into an alleged hazing incident involving players at the school last weekend.
Neither school nor archdiocese officials would provide details of the incident, which occurred in the school's locker room on Aug. 14.
Aceves sent an e-mail to parents Thursday, informing them of the incident, the coaches' suspensions and of the joint investigation by the school and archdiocese.
Tod Tamberg, the archdiocese media relations director, confirmed Friday that St. Paul head coach Marijon Ancich and all but two of his assistant coaches "were put on leave" while the investigation is under way.

Here's a letter that was sent from new principal Kate Aceves to football parents on Thursday.

Dear Parents:

I am writing to advise you that yesterday, I placed our varsity football coaching staff on leave pending an investigation into a hazing incident which allegedly occurred on Saturday, August 14 in the St. Paul High School varsity locker room and which was reported to me this week. In order to assure continuity and that our student athletes are provided with practice time and conditioning without interruption, I have asked the freshmen coaching staff to conduct varsity practices and, as needed, to coach varsity games on an interim basis. In the investigation, we will be working with the Archdiocese and will be reviewing the entire hazing matter in accordance with our school policies which are outlined in our Parent/Student & Faculty handbooks from both a student and staff perspective.

Former Loyola coach Jeff Kearnin is feeling the heat in Oregon. This is a must read, bringing up the age-old question of whether coaches are pushing players too hard in training camp, which have gone from two-a-days, to three-a-days and so forth. Some players, parents and administrators are speaking out, alleging Kearnin pushed them over the edge. Seven high school athletes were rushed to the hospital during a football camp in McMinnville, including three who had to undergo emergency surgery, district officials confirmed Thursday.

"It's heart-breaking," injured player Greg Cordie told KGW from his hospital bed. "I love this game. He pushed us too hard, and here we are." ...

"We're as concerned as they are," said Superintendent Maryalice Russell. "I mean, there's no reason why we want any student to have to take a visit to the hospital as a result of what may happen in a football camp or any other camp for that matter."

No camp visits this morning, today we finish the final touches on Trib Extra before sending it off to production. This is the prep football magazine preview that will be included with your home subscription and at news racks prior to the opening games on Sept. 2 and 3. (I do not have the exact date yet, but will keep you informed). We know you're going to like it, every team has a preview, including the new teams we added to our coverage area, which include Chino Hills, Ayala, Claremont, Ganesha and Pomona. In fact, ad sales have done so well, we created a monster of work for ourselves. We will now begin production on a Prep Extra magazine for the winter that will include league-by-league previews of boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer and a wrestling preview. If all goes well, we will do the same in the spring for baseball and softball. I don't know how we will get it all done, but we always do.

The first days of school usually mean a pile of transfer requests for the CIF-Southern Section office, and we know there have been plenty of players trading places in the offseason. Normally, transfer request paperwork is filed the first week of school, so it will be interesting to see who gets approved and denied leading up to zero week.

Glendora pitcher and area player of the year Adam Plutko, a sixth-round draft choice by the Houston Astros, has rejected the Astros' offer to sign and will enroll at UCLA after receiving a full scholarship. According to the Times, Plutko was offered a signing bonus of more than $1 million, quite an offer for a sixth rounder.

Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton almost made me want to suit up the way he was firing up the guys at practice this morning. It was like watching a coach chewing out his players in a movie, or firing them up with words of what the first few days are all about, which is work, work, work. He talks about a lot on the this video about the way he inspires, his forecast in the Hacienda and Southeast, the anticipation of facing Diamond Bar for the first time, and his thoughts on the area's best teams, and who will win Charter Oak vs. Glendora. You don't want to miss this.

Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton on 2010

Diamond Ranch RB Chase Price

FYI: For those interested, Bishop Amat's annual blue-gold scrimmage is on Friday at 7 p.m., at Kiefer Stadium. You want your first look at this team, show up.

From the L.A. Times' Eric Sondheimer: My advice to teams: Don't overlook La Puente Bishop Amat. This is a program with Pac-5 Division title aspirations, and for good reason. The new quarterback, junior Rio Ruiz, was probably the best sophomore baseball player in the state last season, and he certainly isn't playing football just for fun. He wants a championship.

South Hills has a schedule that goes like this, Baldwin Park, West Covina, Tesoro, Monrovia, Los Osos, Damien, Ayala, Chino Hills, Claremont and the finale with Charter Oak. It's a monster obviously, and one that will surely test the Huskies, who have lost at least two transfers to Charter Oak, two to Bishop Amat and another to a potential season-ending injury, that being WR/DB Jamie Canada, who will have knee surgery next month. But don't feel sorry for the Huskies, not when your offensive line boasts Peter Nonu, Sioasi Aiono and Jeff Vargas, not to mention QB Vincent Hernandez and RB Jamel Hart. But will the Huskies have the depth and enough bodies to compete in the powerful Sierra? Will they have solid enough replacements to fill the voids of the departed? That's what they're going to find out.

For video interviews from Baldwin Park coach James Heggins, Wardell Crutchfield III and Demetrius Jackson, click here. The Braves play South Hills after facing Rowland.

South Hills coach Steve Bogan ...

South Hills lineman Sioasi Aiono ...

South Hills QB Vincent Hernandez ...

South Hills lineman Peter Nonu ...

Bishop Amat athletic director Michael Manzo confirmed this afternoon that Ruben Gonzalez will return to the school as a teacher and coach of the Lancers' girls soccer team after being suspended last April following an accusation that he behaved inappropriately with a pupil three years ago at a previous school that he once coached. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles suspended Gonzalez while it conducted an investigation into the allegations ... allegations that Manzo says Gonzalez has been cleared of. The LAPD also questioned Gonzalez, but said he was never under investigation.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
If you're a local high school football coach whose team is scheduled to play a road game against Rosemead this season, you may be getting a call from Panthers coach Matt Koffler very soon. The reason? Rosemead may not be able host home games in its stadium because of a setback with the continuing installation of the school's new all-weather track that surrounds the football field. (To continue, click thread).

Charter Oak photo gallery

Note: With a couple weeks until the first games, what school do you want to hear from next?

Charter Oak impressions: No wonder Charter Oak offensive coordinator Dom Farrar is pleading with his dad, head coach Lou Farrar, to throw the ball more this season. QB Travis Santiago looked extremely sharp, hitting receivers in stride during Tuesday's practice. And he has quite the trio in Dennis Rufus, Josiah Thropay and Chris Gilcrest, all well over 6-foot-plus targets. The biggest question mark entering the season was who would replace RB Adam Muema, the player of the year. I can tell you that Donald Martin and sophomore Aaren Vaughns complemented each other well, Martin as strong as a rock, Vaughn the slippery transfer from South Hills. The player everyone is excited about is freshman Kurt Scoby, who looks like he could play right away, and just might. In any case, we talked to coach Lou Farrar, Rufus and defensive lineman Charlie Avila about the upcoming season in what could become Charter Oak's finest hour if they can step up in class and compete for a Sierra League and Inland Division title.

Charter Oak coach Lou Farrar ...

Charter Oak WR Dennis Rufus ..

Charter Oak DT Charlie Avila ...

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
The weather cooperated, but the field was another story Monday as the Arroyo High School football team held its first practice in preparation for the upcoming season.
With a cool breeze blowing and a clear sky above, the Knights were forced to practice in their football stadium rather than on the team's practice field, which is being resodded and won't be ready until next month. The situation wasn't unexpected for Knights coach Jim Singiser, but it did bring up an interesting question nonetheless: What condition will the team's field be in for actual games? (To continue and view video, click thread).

Fred Robledo's predicted order of finish in the MVL
1. Arroyo, 2. Rosemead, 3. South El Monte, 4. El Monte, 5. Gabrielino, 6. Mountain View

CalPreps' preseason rankings by Division ...As you can see, No. 8 Bishop Amat is ranked one behind Serra League foe Alemany, not a bad spot considering the Pac-5 is the top division in the Southland. Chino HIlls is No. 4 in the powerful Inland Division with two-time Southeast champ Charter Oak at No. 8 with South Hills, Glendora, and Damien not among the top ten. The Southeast is interesting with West Covina at No.2 with Diamond Ranch and Walnut rounding out the top ten? I would have ranked Rowland and Bonita ahead of both. In the Mid-Valley, this is our only super chance of a divisional champion with reigning champ San Dimas on top. Azusa, Arroyo and Baldwin Park also are in the top ten, but once again, teams like Rosemead are snubbed.

CALPREPS' PRESEASON DIVISIONAL RANKINGS

Pac-5 (Division I)
1. Servite, 2. Mater Dei, 3. Mission Viejo, 4. Lakewood, 5. Long Beach Poly, 6. Edison, 7. Alemany, 8. Bishop Amat, 9. Los Alamitos, 10. Fountain Valley.

Inland Division (Division II)
1. Chaparral, 2. Vista Murrieta, 3. Corona Centennial, 4. Chino Hills, 5. Upland, 6. Norco, 7. Roosevelt, 8. Charter Oak, 9. Etiwanda, 10. Redlands East Valley, Others, 12. South Hills, 13. Glendora, 23. Damien.

Southeast (Division VII)
1. La Mirada, 2. West Covina, 3. Norwalk, 4. California, 5. Burbank, 6. Muir, 7. Burroughs, 8. Diamond Ranch, 9. Walnut, 10. Rowland, Others: 11. Bonita, 17. Los Altos, 19. Diamond Bar,

Mid Valley (Division XI)
1. San Dimas, 2. Monrovia, 3. Schurr, 4. Cerritos Valley Christian, 5. Whittier Christian, 6. Azusa, 7. San Gabriel, 8. Arroyo, 9. Baldwin Park, 10. Bell Gardens, Others: 12. Rosemead, 14. Covina, 18. Wilson, 20. La Puente, 22. Gladstone, 23. Pomona, 25. Northview, 26. Nogales, 27. South El Monte, 28. El Monte, 30. Bassett, 31. Workman, 36. Ganesha, 37., Mountain View, 38. Duarte.

The CIF-SS Commissioner's Cup ranks the top sports schools in Southern California based on performances from the previous season, in this case the 2009-10 sports season. The Los Altos girls program finished sixth in the points standings for the entire Southern Section, winning a girls volleyball title, finishing second in girls water polo and advancing to the semifinals in girls soccer. Walnut checked in at ten. No area boys team cracked the Southern Section's top ten.

Southern Section's top girls sports program 2009-10
PL SCHOOL POINT ACCUMULATION PTS
1. Harvard-Westlake 5 (BK), 5 (CC), 5 (S), 3 (TF) 18
2. Chadwick 5 (CC), 3 (T), 2 (BK), 2 (WP) 12*
3. St. Margaret's 5 (T), 3 (CC), 2 (VB), 2 (S) 12*
4. Dos Pueblos 5 (VB), 5 (WP), 1 (SD) 11
5. Corona del Mar 3 (CC), 3 (VB), 2 (WP), 2 (T) 10*
6. Los Altos 5 (VB), 3 (WP), 2 (S) 10*
7. Poly/Long Beach 5 (BK), 5 (TF) 10*
8. Saugus 5 (CC), 5 (TF) 10*
9. Serra 5 (BK), 5 (TF) 10*
10. Walnut 5 (WP), 5 (SD) 10*
* = Decided by tie-breaker rules.

Points: The winners are determined by a point system that provides: five points for a divisional championship; three points for a divisional runner-up finish; two points for advancing to the semifinal round or a third place finish in a team-place finish sport (i.e. cross country, golf, swimming and diving, track and field); and one point for a fourth place finish in a team-place finish sport. In cases where a tie occurs the top ten schools were determined by several tie-breaker methods.

(Sport abbreviations): BB - Baseball; BK - Basketball; CC - Cross-Country; FB - Football; G - Golf; S - Soccer; SB - Softball; SD - Swimming and Diving; T - Tennis; TF - Track and Field; VB - Volleyball; WP - Water Polo; W - Wrestling)

The Bulletin's Clay Fowler talked to CIF-Southern Section spokesperson Thom Simmons about the eligibility of Makale MccBobb and Gerald Kough, who transferred from Colony to Pomona, where former Colony coach Anthony Rice is now in charge. Both players have been cleared to play by CIF-SS officials, who note that the two transfers arrived before Rice "formally" accepted the job at Pomona.

"It would have to be proved that the two players in question knew Anthony (Rice) was going to be hired at Pomona prior to their transfers, in any event," CIF-SS director of communication Thom Simmons said. "Had the two players transferred after Anthony was hired at Pomona, the office could possibly make a reasonable assumption that of prima facie evidence of a athletically motivated transfer. The same assumption is much more difficult when the transfer happens before."
"The office approved both of these transfers on the appropriate CIF paperwork submitted by Pomona High School," Simmons said. "In both cases, Colony High School did not provide any information on the paperwork indicating that there were any issues regarding CIF rule 510 or that their former head football coach, Anthony Rice, had been hired by Pomona High School prior to these transfers."

By Aram Tolegian
Covina High School football coach Darryl Thomas is like most Colts fans these days. He's hoping a year older equals a year better as his team begins practice for the upcoming season. Covina started 13 sophomores last season and still made the playoffs, including quarterback Billy Livingston. Livingston was showing off an offseason's worth of improvement as the Colts held their second day of practice on Friday afternoon. (To continue, click thread).

The first thoughts from San Dimas' practice this morning was how far along they seemed to be. It was like they were practicing in week 8 or getting ready for a Mid-Valley Division playoff game. Coach Bill Zernickow's Wing T or Wing Z, however you want to describe it, looked fantastic and they're going to speed things up by running a no-huddle, something I'm not supposed to share with rival Bonita and the Smudge Pot just a few weeks away. It looks as if QB Shawn Kennedy won't be ready after offseason health issues, but the QBs they were platooning (I promised coach Z I wouldn't name names) looked sharp. With Bonita, South El Monte, Rancho Cucamonga and Monrovia on the preseason schedule, the only lock is the South, giving the defending champs a tough road before the Valle Vista begins. Aram will be at Covina's practice this afternoon

San Dimas coach Bill Zernickow on 2010 season ...

San Dimas RB Jordan Taylor ...

San Dimas WR Kevin Kolbeck ...

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
It never gets old for Damien High School football coach Greg Gano.
Gano, a 31-year coaching veteran, enjoyed yet another first day of fall practice on Thursday by leading his Spartans through some conditioning drills as they started preparations for their Sept. 10 opener against Diamond Ranch. (To continue, click thread).

While Garfield isn't exactly the monster many of us would like to see Bishop Amat tackle in its season opener on Sept. 3, which will be at East L.A. College, it appears the Bulldogs are taking this seriously, sort of like Rocky in his first fight against Creed. Check out Eric Sondheimer's blurb in the Times' today about Garfield's spirited practice sessions. Coach Lorenzo Hernandez on facing Bishop Amat, "Sometimes we question why did we do it, but the challenge is there."

The "Big River" Rio Ruiz showing his form ...

West Covina practice photo gallery

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
With Charles Tucker, Chris Solomon, Beejay Lee and a handful of other capable running backs in the West Covina High School backfield, Bulldogs quarterback George Johnson shouldn't feel much pressure during the opening days of practice in preparation for the Sept. 3 opener at home against Covina. (To continue, click thread).

We have a handful of high school football correspondents returning to cover high school football games in the fall, but are looking for a few more. Those who have covered high school football games before or are studying journalism are ideal. Or, if you have a passion for writing and football, that works too. If interested, feel free to email me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com.

Steve Ramirez is working on our volleyball preview. I figure all volleyball discussions start with defending CIF champion Los Altos and perennial favorite Bonita. After that, your guess is as good as mine....

By Thomas Himes, Staff Writer
The father of a high school tennis player has sued the Azusa Unified School District, alleging school officials prevented his daughter from attending a championship match. Azusa High School senior Alyssa Pritchett hopes to attend college on an athletic scholarship. She moved a step closer to that goal last fall when she qualified for the California Interscholastic Federation singles tennis championships. (To continue, click thread).

There is no denying with two-time Southeast champ Charter Oak now in the Inland Division, West Covina could become the biggest benefactor. At Thursday's practice, coach Mike Maggiore talked about the opportunity to win his second title with the Bulldogs while RB Chris Solomon practically guaranteed anything less than a title would be a disappointment. We also spoke with QB George Johnson, a third-year starter who could be the straw the stirs the drink, even though the Bulldogs could have the best stable of backs in the area. And when you talk about size, the Bulldogs have that too, and plenty of it. There is no Bishop Amat or Mater Dei on the schedule, but nonleague games against rival South Hills and Glendora should tell folks a lot before entering the Hacienda.

West Covina coach Mike Maggiore ...

West Covina RB Chris Solomon ...

West Covina QB George Johnson ...

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
For most high school football players, the beginning of summer practice, from physical conditioning to repetitive drills, can seem quite routine. But for Bishop Amat's Austin Lacy, it's a godsend. Lacy, who took his place Wednesday along with his Lancers teammates as they began preparation for the upcoming season, knows he's fortunate to be back practicing, or doing anything else for that matter. (To continue, click thread

High school baseball teams in California will have to follow new safety standards for the metal bats they use under rules released Wednesday, in the wake of accidents that brought national attention to the issue of the bats' safety.

Bishop Amat practice photo gallery by Watchara Phomicinda

Despite ongoing reports that we were booted off the Bishop Amat practice field :), coach Steve Hagerty and players couldn't of been more cordial or fired up for the first day of Hell Week on Wednesday. Coach Hagerty talked about the upcoming season and expectations while Ruiz spoke of living up to the expectations for a QB yet to make his first start. Shay is ready to join a long list of talented backs in the Lancers backfield and nobody was happier than Austin Lacy after the long ordeal he dealt with back in March.

Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty on 2010 ...

QB Rio Ruiz ...

Linebacker Austin Lacy ...

Running back Zachary Shay ...

Diamond Ranch third baseman Rouric Bridgewater, a San Gabriel Valley first-team selection who could end up winning the Valley's triple crown as a senior, has accepted a full ride to Arizona State on a baseball scholarship. The 6-foot-2, 205 pounder batted .580 with with 41 RBIs and 10 homers as a junior.

If Sierra Vista football coach Keith Locklear has resigned, it's news to him. Locklear says he has no idea why the The Mid Valley's Andy Villanueva reported on their show on Tuesday that he is no longer the coach. Locklear says practice starts Monday, but Villanueva's inside sources at the 16:00 mark of this video say otherwise. "in talking to other coaches in the area, Locklear is no longer there," Villanueva said. Interesting stuff, right?

Bonita High senior-to-be Taylor Anderson, a San Gabriel Valley first-team girls basketball selection as a junior, has committed to attend Loyola Marymount University on a full scholarship. Anderson will join South Hills' Melinda Gomez, who will be a freshman at LMU this fall. Anderson will sign her National Letter of Intent during the early signing period in the second week of November.

Smudgepot history

San Dimas football players mock Bonita ...

Highlights from 2008 game ...

Images of the rivarly ...

By Jim McConnell, Staff Writer
Who was the best athlete in CIF-Southern Section history? We mentioned two candidates - Bonita High School's Glenn Davis and Bishop Amat's Pat Haden - in last week's column. Readers have submitted a few more. (To continue, click thread)

Charter Oak's Charlie Avila isn't settling for the normal summer, he's been competing around the country at different lineman camps. Here he's at the Top Gun O-lineman camp in Virginia. Give the guy some props, it was 105 degrees with 95% humidity out there. Anyways, check his video out, it looks great.

On the first day back from vacation, the page proof's for the Prep Extra football magazine are on my desk and ready for us to look over. I know you're going to love it, this is five times more comprehensive than anything we've done before. Also, as you've seen on Aram's blog, more and more video interviews are coming. I'm getting my flip video camera this week, and when summer practices begin, we're hitting as many camps as we can, talking to coaches, players, etc, etc. We're even taking our camera's to games on Friday nights, so if you have that fourth-and-goal with the game on the line, we can load up and show it to you. Also, two minute drills will also be in video, but not sure if we want to do it all on one take, or game by game, so suggest away. Anyways, glad to be back, now lets get going, the countdown is on!!

Back in L.A: Wish that Toby Maguire dude would get out of my way ...

Here's an update from the Colt World Series

By John Sherrard, Correspondent

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Covina Blue will have to wait another day for its third pool-play game in the Colt World Series after thunderstorms forced a postponement of Monday night's game against White Division opponent Greensboro, N.C.
After an hour-and-a-half thunder and lightning delay, Colt officials announced the game would be rescheduled for today at 2 p.m. (EST).
The game called be heard over the Internet at www.ihigh.com/2010coltseries.
"Our kids were so pumped for this game, they would have stayed until midnight to get this game in," Covina manager Tony Page said. "But we're just as excited to come back (today) with that same intensity and play our best baseball."
In the other White Division game earlier in the afternoon, Hoosier North of Lafayette, Ind. eliminated Mexico, 7-5.
The winner of today's Covina/Greensboro game will advance to Wednesday's semifinal, with the loser being eliminated. Covina would finish in second place in the division and face the first-place team in the Red Division if victorious.
Covina would have had a scheduled day off today before the medal-round semifinals, but now it could possibly play three consecutive days.
Today's other scheduled games include Puerto Rico vs. Texas and Lafayette vs. Czech Republic.

Just saw this on Scott Wolf's USC blog that USC A.D. Pat Haden has let go baseball coach Chad Kreuter, who has taken USC to just one postseason appearance during his tenure.
It will be interesting to see how this effects USC's recruiting, especially some of our local players who have committed to Troy.
Here's the link to Kreuter's firing

I just got back from UCLA football Media Day, where UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel addressed his team's plan to jump-start the Bruins running attack. You can find out more in the Red Zone

We've reached several coaches but not all, so if you know when your high school team begins Hell Week, let us know.

Donovan, who was fired in March after a 17-12 campaign, then rehired after a public outcry, said last week he's resigning to spend more time with his family. Back when Donovan was first fired, rumors circulated that former Charter Oak coach Ray Walker was set to take over. When Donovan was rehired in March, this is what what we wrote

Ayala boys basketball coach Kenny Donovon was given his job back on Friday after being fired earlier in the week by principal Diana Yorboi, who told Donovon he was not coming back because the school was moving in a different direction. Sources indicated to us that it was Yorboi's intention to hire former Charter Oak head coach Ray Walker. But it appears Donovan's firing didn't sit well with a lot of people, and Donovan took the job back when it was offered to him.
"The principal apologized," Donovan told the Times. "She said she made a mistake."

"She told me she made a mistake," Ayala athletic director Steve Martin told the Bulletin's Clay Fowler. "She's a principal in her first year and I think she was trying to placate as many parents as she could. I think she's discovering, in athletics you can't placate everybody."

Rick Croy, who took the Citrus College men's basketball team to the CCCAA State Tournament twice in the past three seasons, including winning the program's first state title in 2008, has accepted an assistant position at Division I school St. Mary's.
Chris Victor, who was an assistant under Croy in 2005, will be the Owls new coach. Victor was an assistant at Concordia of Irvine last season.

Go to In the Huddle for all the info, plus video of the action!

Go to In the Huddle and find out which teams should be nervous about which games.

Hi All:
I just wanted to let you football fans know about my latest topic on our college football blog - The Red Zone. It's about former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli transferring to MIssissippi. You can read more about Masoli's transfer to the Southeastern Conference school here.