It’s too early to narrow down a coach of the year, but not to early to note those that should be in consideration after five weeks of football.
Eric Podley, Bonita (4-0) — Considering they were 3-8 last year and lost starting quarterback Garrett Pendleton before the season, you have to give Podley the edge over the others at this point. Huge wins over San Dimas, Claremont, and blowout over Baldwin Park.
Joe Scherf, Azusa (4-0) — His name has been in the conversation three straight years and deservedly so. Allowing just two points per game is phenomenal, regardless of competition. Scherf and Amat’s Steve Hagerty have been in the running since 2008, when they took over and changed the culture of their programs.
Mike Maggiore, West Covina (4-1) — The number one-ranked team in the Southeast Division had some month reeling off four straight wins over Venice, South Hills, Glendora and Walnut. The way Maggiore turned his team after a loss against Covina is what Maggiore does best, rebounding from a disaster that would affect most teams for weeks.
Keith Locklear, Sierra Vista (4-0) — At this point Locklear deserves to be considered. He switched from an all-out pass attack to a run-happy team producing an average of nearly 500 yards a game. If they beat Azusa on Friday, Locklear’s stock goes through the roof.
Steve Hagerty, Bishop Amat (5-0) — They lose Kane, Cazares and Johnson on defense; lose their starting quarterback and running back and still look as good as ever, scoring more points while allowing an average eight points a game. They haven’t played a non-league schedule as difficult as the previous two, but statistically, they keep getting better.
Darryl Thomas, Covina (4-1) — Nobody in the Mid-Valley will have a bigger non-league win on their resume that Covina’s over West Covina, and if the Colts keep this up and somehow become a factor in the VVL title chase, Thomas will be in the running.
Derek Bub, Chino Hills (4-1) — Surprising wins over Tesoro and Redlands East Valley have moved the Huskies to No. 3 in the Inland Poll and has them tagged big favorites in a Sierra League race we thought would be much tighter.
