Time for all the talk is over . WC vs Bonita is the game of the week and should be coveritlive also . I am picking WC in a romp as this is the first glimpse of real competition for Bonita . Yes they beat Claremont but that was along time ago and in preseason who knows what was on the field . This WC squad is solid and BonIta has seen nothing like this so far as far as a team and a coaching staff. It’s one thing to rant and rave on beating the likes of LA and BP,DB and so forth and brag on stats but in WC they will face a tough opponent who will take it to them .Let see what kind of fortitude this team has when facing a team as strong and battle tested as WC.

Hey Fred, Bonita has been winning without their number one QB. And he is getting healthy at the right time which will make them even better.

I have always given credit where credit is do. Bonita Bearcats, you guys have a great run going. That win against Walnut was your biggest to date in many ways. It was set up to be a “trap game” but you kept your singular focus and played the way you have played all season. You have set yourself up for a huge game against West Covina. This is no doubt the game of the week in the SGV. I think it will be a packed house. Here is the way I see the game going. I think it will be quite a battle in the first half. But in the end I think West Covina will be to physical and wear Bonita down. No one has been able to even slow down their ground game. Their defense has been even more impressive. Bonita hasn’t faced a team like this all season. WC pulls away @ home in the second half for a win and and gets one step closer to the first Hacienda League Championship. Final score WC 35 Bonita 17.

SGV430 Outtt!!!

I’m pulling for West Covina. They have a great program and I have a ton of respect for their coaching staff. They squeeze every drop of potential out of those kids.

West Covina’s victory should put an end to the Bonita fans who think they could compete against or beat (HA!!!) Amat. Maybe during the Verti years but not with Hag’s at the Helm. It will also stop Aram before he decides to give them the Chino Hills treatment.

Amat will beat Notre Dame but this is still a Serra League foe so I don’t think its going to be the cake walk some are predicting it will be. Look for Moore to further solidify his name in Amat lore against Notre Dame. The offensive line has been amazing this year and the defense has been equally impressive. Rio is a solid QB and our other skill players have performed their roles beautifully on the well oiled machine that is Amat Football.

Go AMAT!!!

I think that all fans of the Bonita Bearcats should lay low and and let Pod and Crew continue to do their work under the radar. It worked for the baseball guys last year when Fred didn’t even know they were in the finals until he got back from vacation. Remember: sshhhhhhh.

As far as the GOTW goes, I’m sayin’ Notre Dame at Amat will be great, all of those yummy parking lot treats and a great Serra League matchup too. If you don’t want to brave the Kiefer crowds, you can head on over to La Verne, (but really only a few hundred feet from San Dimas), and catch the Chargers at Damien. The tailgate scene isn’t as sophisticated as the one at Amat home games, but at least you can still crack a brew without going all secret squirrel.

Besides, who in there right mind would ever waste any time on a Division SEVEN when there are Pac5 and Inland D games being played nearby. May as well go see an eight-man game or flag or something.

your reading it here first, wilson will play their best game of the year and beat BP. Not to mention stir things up in the playoffs. What would a season be without at least 1 upset?

Go read Aram’s blog, Glendora quarterback Chad Jeffries has a separated shoulder.

Wilson over BP said,

Wishful thinking, not with that aweful coaching staff at Wilson. What do the parents at Wilson have to be happy about? That the have one of the most talented teams in the valley but the play like one of the worst. BP will destroy Wilson

As a former (retired) head varsity football coach for 28 years, I find it hard to read these blogs. Everyone knows everything about anything. It cracks me up to read these parents blame the coaches for all the troubles. It is never little Johnny’s fault and if the coach gets on him about not playing up to his potential, well now, we can’t be making little Johnny’s self esteem go in the tank or we’ll transfer schools. I happen to know Coach P. I coached against him when he was at Ayala. He has a good football mind and is good for kids. I find it apalling to question the man’s integrity in these blogs where you can hind behind some fake name. The fact is that Glendora is not that talented….period. I know that bruises the egos of you proud Tartan daddies but the truth hurts. Maybe if you stopped powedering your kids asses and telling them how great they are, they’d work a little harder. When I started coaching, parents taught their kids right from wrong and made the responsible for there actions. The problem with today’s parents is that they look for excuses for their kids and cover for them whenever they can……helping their kids find the easy way out. You parents who get on here and blast players and coaches have no balls. It doesn’t take a big man to sit and belittle another man who is doing the best he can. Instead of talking sh*t, be supportive and chew on your kids ass and let him know if their not happy with the results they needs to work harder to change it. STOP TALKING OUT OF YOUR A$$ES PEOPLE!!!!

Cookie,

Said but true, extremly difcult to deal with as a parent. The staff realizes that parents are very upset but also realize what can they do. With all the new CIF rules they cant risk transferring out. From all the talk only two key players have CIF valid transfer plans. One is moving out of state to avoid CIF and the other has a valid address change. Their are a couple more that are serious but on the fence. A couple of them if they do go through with it are going to shock the hell out of this staff. Most parents are waiting to see what is going to come out of the rumor mill, Ryan Merrill and Coach O and staff returning. If no move is made by June then the transfers will start up.

SGV For 30 Years,

Since you have seen Wilson Play, you can see that they are larger & faster than most of their opponents. The QB issue has nothing to do with kids, it has everything to do with Head Coach. Zavala has been there for two seasons and he still can not pick an offenses. The worst thing about Zavala is that Wilson’s Defense is awefull and he is the D-coordinator.

Hey Former Coach, You must be biggest pendho out there. The SGV football suffers from bad coaching period. Orange County & Indland Empire teams will destoy most of the teams in SGV mainly because of bad coaching. There is no such things as bad kids just bad coaching. Ask any great coach. Good Example look at Azusa. For most of there football history they have not been very good to say the least. Now with one good coach the are killing teams.

Wilson Transfers,

overal league
04-05) 4-6 1-3
05-06) 5-6 2-2
06-07) 4-6 0-4
07-08) 6-6 1-3

08-09) QUIT!!!

This is your savior??? Too bad 1 league win doesn’t get you in the playoffs anymore so I don’t know what he is going to do

Former Coach,

You have hit the nail right squarely on the head. The bigger lesson in high school sports should be about the spirit of competition and being with your friends and the special relationships you build. I don’t know if we can ever get back to those days.
Back when I was in high school if I had come home and told me that the coach was mean to me my dad would have said. Son what did you do? Did you do what he told you to do. If the answer was no. I was in trouble. Now there is a meeting with the AD, Principle, & Super because some dad wants Johnny to play quarterback. It’s kind of a sad situation that high school sports has become.

SGV430 Ouutt!!

“The SGV’s demographics are not the same as those found in the quality IE or orange county progrms. The quality of kids in the SGV is not nearly as good as other areas”

That line is loaded with so much BS I had to lift my arm up to save my watch….Here’s your sign.

“The socio economic, race and intelligence factors all play a role in athletics”

The last time I heard an idiot spew garbage like that was when some clown named Adolph claimed that before the 1936 Olympics… You don’t have a mustache do you?

What exactly did you coach ? If you say the KKK’s football team I’m gonna lose it…

Be Real:
Are you kidding me dude, Coleman could have scored everytime he touched the ball. The Wilson defenders wanted no part of him. I saw them literally cringe hoping they didn’t have to tackle him. The Wilson QB would have never finished the scrimmage had they not had such a quick whistle on the QB’s. Wilson had one legit TD but how many times would they have had to punt in a real game. Remember they got 10 plays. So you see my man this is just another example of the Wilson people having an over inflated opinion of what they really are. The one thing that you did get right is that Walnut would beat Wilson in a game. The rest of that phrase should have been that it wouldn’t even be a contest. My educated guess is that it would be Walnut 42 Wilson7.

SGV430 Ouuttt!!

All wilson parents commenting on our coaching staff please comment on the coach or coaches not the staff. It is unfair to point the comments at coaches that may not agree with the direction this team is going.

As far the issue of talent on this Wilson team, sorry but a well coached Wilson team would have blown out that Northview team. Northview had some major matchup issues with Wilson. Our staff didnt figure it out until the third quarter. Even then they used their six shooter instead of the machine gun and ran out of bullets at the end.

Coach Zavala and Williams have made many questionable calls this season none bigger than that one.

The problem with SGV football is not the talenet level it is the Coaches!!. You people think you need D1 players to be succesfull, bullsh?? the best program in California De La Salle bearly has any.

Santa Margarita Eagles Football did not compete at all in Orange County until this year, What happen more talent? no just a New Coach. Santa Margarita Eagles Football are ranked
5th in Pac-5.

The moment you say or think you need better players to win at football that makes you a moron. A good coach makes do with what he has and does not make excuses.

SGV Coaches are horrible,

Thank you Sir! I mentioned that a few weeks back.
A good coach will make a snot nose kid into a player.
A good coach make adjustments when needed.
A good coach will give his team a chance to win.
A good coach never gives up.
A good coach coaches.
DRanch Dad I would love and hope to meet the OMANA kid someday.
I handled the pigskin proudly and was the QB back when we used to play on dirt and wooden field gaol post. haha I still have my old leather helmet and would give it to #14 someday.

agree with Diamond Ranch parent.Henry is a great kid,know him from walnut pony where my nephews play with his younger brother David. great family .

Once and a while i contemplate getting away from these blogs, i guess Cookie, can can accomplsh that.

Parents of Wilson, you tar and feathered Hoyd and now you are doing the same to Zavala. It is a wonder why coaches do not want to coach there or do not last there very long. Have you parents ever heard what you are saying during games, take a good look at yourself, you are the reason for this collapse of a team that came out of the gate strong, but the minute a loss or two come, all you football expert parents get lil Johnny home and put crap into his head about how the coaches suck etc, thats where you collectively have destroyed your team as parents. Not all of you parents at Wilson but the majority are a mess in the stands I know I sit behind you baffoons. No support for your coaches and you are doomed which you are..no playoffs..play out your season and call it a day. By the way start looking for a new fresh meat coach for next year because Zavala is gone after this year and you will be looking for your next excuse as far as a new coach to blame. You parents disgust me.

Hey Fred:

Just wondering if Claremont stumbles in one of their remaining three games (Ayala, South Hills and Damien) and Chino Hills runs the table and the top two teams in league wind-up 4-1 is the number 1 seed decided by head to head or a coin flip? Also given that the results of each game in the Sierra League could decide who goes to the playoffs, is the playing of OT mandated to decide a winner in the games?

Hoyd, Zavala, Bear Bryant, Jimmy Johnson, Vince Lombardi..hows that! the point is it does not matter who coaches over at Wilson some of you parents are the ones that do not give a coach a chance to take a program in the right direction. Wilson Parents panic at the slightest hiccup of a loss and point fingers as if they were still watching their kids in JAA. This is HS football where a program gets built and a new coach is given a 3-5 year window to turn it around. Zavala has been there what 2 years and you parents are out to get him already. What happened to stand behind your coach and team. As far as having a few pops after a game all coaches love to drink beer. If you parents have given up on your coaches in turn your coaches will give up on you. Real “coach” you said you had a real staff lined up already…BS! Where was that staff when Hoyd left. Zavala got us more wins then last year, so the upswing is there that you continue to knock down. You have to be senior parents where with this being your kids last year he does not see the playoffs so you go out on your senior year by lynching the coach. As a parent to a underclassmen I hope Zavala stays but he most likely will not after all the negativity you senior parents have created throughout the team through your senior players. Lets finish the season, hope for the best, give Brian Zavala the respect he deserves. You senior parents will move on and get over it and a fresh breed of next years senior parents may be different and my loyal to the cause of all for one and one for all. Not all this crying and bitching.

Old man in Chino,
I think there’s a better chance of hell freezing over than Claremont losing to Damien, So. Hills or Ayala. We are hoping but it really won’t matter for the playoffs. We would be Co -champs but they beat us head to head so that would make them the Sierra league’s #1 seed. The Sierra league does have an overtime clause in the by laws. for the first time in 3 years there will be no tri champs in the Sierra league this year no matter how the rest of the season plays out ( unless something truey bizzzar happens) The league seems to have 3 competitive teams (Claremont, Chino Hills and Charter oak) and 3 that are struggling .

former coach,

I see why the word former precedes your title. How could you spew such racist crap and call yourself a coach. Coaching in High School football means a lot unless you are just loaded.

PS Not all coaches have to get liquored up after the game just the crappy ones.

Saladays,
What did I say that was racist? I clearly brought up the demographics of the SGV. If I say that 70% of the population of the SGV is hispanic, is that racist? If I asked you to Name 10 Hispanic NFL football players (non kickers) would that be racist? If I said the average household income of the SGV family is close to $35k a year, is that racist? No, I did not say one negative thing about another RACE you moron. Cookie said in his post that the reason why SGV football sucks is because of bad coaching. Good coaches draw good athletes. There is no way a great coach like Lara from Poly, Logan from Centennial, Farrar fro Charter Oak, etc…. can go into a program like Northview, so. elmonte, workman, etc and turn them into CIF competitors. If you think this is racist, the truth must hit home. I am 1/2 hispanic and was born and raised in the SGV and coached in the SGV for 12 years and in San Diego for 20 years….RACIST I AM NOT…a REALIST< I am.

former coach,

Lara and great coach don’t belong in the same sentence you make yourself look like a fool. Poly is always talented but well coached no way.

When Farrar took over at C.O. they were like a northview they used to fight it out for last place with wilson h.h.

“If I say that 70% of the population of the SGV is hispanic, is that racist?”
No, the fact that you say this is the reason they can’t win IS RASCIST.

you also wrote this..” The socio economic, race and intelligence factors all play a role in athletics”

You may not know it but you are a jerk!

Bishop has won in the past and present (at the highest level) with many Hispanic kids and Arroyo, Rosemead, St. Paul, Los Altos (not the recent teams) Have also won. Clovis East almost made the state championship game with hispanics orange lost to south hills in the finals with all hispanics.

What the hell are you talking about??

Picks For Week Eight :
Azusa over Ganesha
Gladstone over Bassett
Northview over Nogales
Glendora over Alta Loma
West Covina over Bonita in a Nail Biter !!
Diamond Ranch over Los Altos
Rowland over Walnut Another close game
Rosemead over Mountain View
El Monte over South El Monte
La Puente over Sierra Vista
Workman over Duarte
Bishop Amat over Notre Dame
Claremont over Ayala
Charter Oak over Damien
Chino Hills over South Hills
Covina over Pomona
Baldwin Park over Wilson

Last week I went 15-3 total for the season is 127-37.

Hope it’s a great and safe week of high school football to all.

Saladays,
Former coach does make a valid point. How many NFL players are hispanic??? How many major college players are Hispanic?? Is it because they aren’t intelligent enough to go to college? Is it because they aren’t big enough? Is it because they aren’t tough enough? How many Hispanic kids from the SGV go Div 1 every year? I am not trying to be racist I am 100% latino born in Pomona…..I am just scratching my head and trying to figure it out.

Bishop Amat 35 Notre Dame 17

from the IE not the SGV,

Big time colleges want size and speed. Doesn’t matter what you do on the field if you measure up right they will find a place for you. There are a lot more Hispanics breaking through right now which is encouraging.

But as far as High School goes a well coached team is a well coach teamed doesn’t matter if their from the city, suburbs, or the country. Also doesn’t matter if they are black, brown, or white.

Any Questions,
I see there are lots of hispanics on that roster…good for them. My question is, how many of those kids live within a 5 mile radius of the school and are not transfers?. We all know that Amat is basically a SGV All star team. With that being said, and with the SGV being 70% hispanic….that is what the roster should look like. Why is it that Amat cannot compete when it gets into the playoffs in recent years?

former coach – I’d say leading the #1 seed and top team in the nation in the final minutes two years ago and being ahead of Lakewood late in the Elite 8 of one of the toughest divisions in the country is at least “competing” – wouldn’t you? how often do you “compete” at that level?

Just askin’,
Anyone can be leading anyone…it is the end result that counts. Amat has not made it out of the second round in over 10 years if I am not mistaken. I was on the staff of 2 CIF champs and the head coach of one….I do now about competeing. I know Amat is a good program, but they are not an “elite” program.

really? “anyone can be leading anyone”? after 46 minutes of play could “anyone” be leading #1 seed-or only someone who is “competitive”? tell me please – who are the “elite” teams.
this should be fun

Just Askin’,
Here is a list of CIF SS programs I consider to be elite ( competetive in the last 10 years). These are all programs who have made multiple trips to the CIF finals since 2000.

LB Poly – 2000, ’01, ’03, ’04, ’07, ’08
Corona Centennial – 2000, ’02, ’04, ’07
Mission Viejo – 2001, ’02, ’03, ’04
Hart – 2000, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’05, ’07
St. Bonaventure – 2002, ’03, ’04, ’07′ ’08
SO Notre Dame – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Norco – 2004, ’05, ’06
Oaks Christian – 2003 – 2009

I would also include Westlake, Servite & Serra to this list. I think Amat is the best program in the SGV, they have just not had much success the last 10 years. In my opinion, there is no way they are in the State Championship in the next few years…I don’t even see them making the CIF championship. Good luck though.

old timer – I’ll chime in after we get a list from “former coach”

Cookie,
Way to jump on the Velasquez bandwagon…..LOL. OOOOH, you got me there big guy. In case you missed the topic jackass, we are talking about football. We could also say the swedish dude is the grand cross country skiing champion, or that dude from Japan is world table tennis master…..the topic is football. Are you challenging this 60 year old man to a fight….wow you are one tough hombre.

I think that you all have forgotten the point, so lets get back on.

This started as an argument as to what wins games, coaching or talent? The answer is both.

With good coaching, a team can be “good” without much talent, but there is definitely a limit. A “good” team will win about half of its games, not get blown out, and maybe get a couple upsets.

It is impossible however to be a “great” team without talent. It doesn’t matter how good the coaching staff is.

Even great coaches can only do so much with the talent that they are given, so instead of looking at wins and losses, ask your children if they are taught good technique and knowledge of the game. That is the definition of good coaching.

Don’t be so quick to chastise coaches because your kid isn’t playing. Remember that the kid who is playing over yours has a parent who regards them as the “best ever”.

Amat 73,
I am not Knocking Amat. I said you have a good program. I said that if you want to be considered a “great” program you need to have more success. Only moving past the first round of CIF once in recent years does not make you a great program. You have continued to improve and with continued improvement I think you can move to that next level. I think the thing that puts most people off about Amat is that people get on here and talk about Amat as if they were back to back CIF champs or something. It’s one thing to support your team and have pride….it’s another thing to be arrogant.

Getting back to your topic, I think it takes great players to win championships. Great players doesn’t just mean athletic talent. A great player is driven, hard working, coachable, tough and willing to work as a team. I have had teams that were filled with great athletes who weren’t great players. My favorite team was my CIF champion team that was outsized by the opponent every game and had no super stars. They played together as a team and were a tight knit unit. We meet each December to remember that great season.
Obviously coaching and organization plays a big role to. Sometimes you just need to put the kids in the right places, show them what to do and let them play……don’t screw them up.

Amat 73,
That was just a short list. I think schools like La Habra could be included. I hesitated to put Charter Oak because their league and division was weak the last couple of years. I think they are a good program, but not elite. I left out Mater Dei because I personally don’t like them….lol. I think Edison and Lakewood are programs on the rise but aren’t there yet. Also, anyplace Harry Welch coaches……He has won CIF Titles wherever he goes and has Santa Margarita on the fast track to success.

former coach,

Let me pitch in my two cents. Since we’re talking about the Southern Section more than 1/4 of your list is out of this particular conversation – although tough to argue some are “elite” You can tell you’ve been down in LoCal for a while You have some interesting additions to you list. Serra has 1 championship (last year) and was really bad until recently (4-6 in 2004. Servite? Prior to last season they had not won a title since 1983. Edison hasn’t won since 1980. Lakewood’s never won one. I know.. they “on the rise”. If ND is in there – well, they say you’re judged by the company you keep – and beat, so if you must…

We agree on Centennial, MV (who still hasn’t won one at the highest level), and to a certain extent – Hart and Oaks (who little Herrington said Amat was better than last year, having played both) I tend to think Oaks has a little “aura” about them that, while good, a little overrated and not “legendary”. As our friend COChargerfan always reminds us the “transitive property doesn’t work in sports, but let’s play the home game anyway. Cathedral plays Serra tough… Oaks beats Serra by a point… Amat plays Cathedral and… well you get where I’m going. Or Oaks beats St Bonnies by a point … Amat beats St Bonnies… We could play this all day. orange Lu wins a State title, loses to Poly 2-0 in the finals the next year, and Amat plays them…. but still not “competitive”… or “elite”

I don’t think I’ve read any Amat bloggers in here proclaiming to be the best in the Pac-5 (find one if you can). What I do read are those confused by readers who think winning vs inferior teams somehow makes you better than a program that might not go all the way against the very best.
Like Boise St, many a team may have the ability to beat someone on any Friday – but to play that schedule week after week and survive a playoff vs those teams at the highest level may not add up to the same type of “success” they have in lower divisions.

So if you’re in the final 8 a year ago in, as pointed out, one of the toughest divisions nationally … and in the top 4 this season in the same division (top 10 in the nation) among the top 15 in the State … and with a win Friday will probably move into the Top 100 teams in the nation that doesn’t make you among the “elite” or at the least “competitive”

Congratulations on your coaching success. You have to do something right to win one. I’m sure you have plenty of great memories. I know I still enjoy our CIF Championship and can now even remember fondly losses in the finals. PLenty of others would love to be ther

former coach,
I really don’t think any of the faithful come on here talking like we are back to back champs at all.We know where we stand and where we need to go to get there. Yes some get a little carried away when it comes down to who would beat who in the SGV but that is to be expected and some people see that as being arrogant but really coach it is only the truth. Watch me catch hell for that statement. Going back to original point which you said about that 5 mile radius . The point of our team being an allstar team from the SGV couldn’t be farther from the truth . AMAT is committed to taking the kids from the Catholic feeder schools of the SGV. the majority of the roster are kids from those schools and the natural progression is to go on to a Catholic high school . Not too many transfers on the roster either . Yes we get more now than before but if you had the choice and AMAT was one of those choices and you are a football player where would you go today. As you say the future looks bright for AMAT as we are headed to that championship level but to say we are not one of the top teams in the hunt for the PAC -5 title is not seeing this in the real light .

Joey it’s been a while. Promised I wouldn’t blog while doing a special favor this year but you got me on this deal with Amat.

First I’ll say this, I’m no Amat hater, never have been, never will be. Too much history and too many family and friends connected the school.

I’ve known Joey Canales for years, over 30 plus, as well as Spooner from his Amat days by way of Salesian. Also was lucky enough to have the Austins invited me when Dominique signed his Letter of Intent with Arizona. His daughter played basketball on my sons Travel Ball team a few times, so obviously I wish Amat nothing but continued success.

The Amat game “spotter” is also a Salesian grad I played ball with and my nephew played for the Lancers. Last but not least my niece was on the Homecoming Court this year, so again, I’m NOT an Amat hater.

That out of the way I will say this. I lost allot of respect for Amat this year, or should I say some alumni coaches. I understand that Amat’s scheduling this year was strategic and well orchestrated, all well and good but I will say this recruitiung players “during” the season is wrong. Flat wrong.

Before you answer make sure you know what I’m saying and why. Never been one to negate or condemn coaches who roll out a red carpet for missing links AFTER the season, hey it happens, but at least wait until the season is over.

I’ve talked about this often. Some coaches take second and third string players and make them stars, at whatever level. One of my best friends in high school was recruited by Cuccia to Wilson and won Defensive player of the year and parlayed that into a full ride at Wyoming, he’s now back at Salesian making noiuse again. Maybe he doesn’t get there at Salesian but that worked out. BTW he was recruited AFTER the season. My brother also transfered to Roosevelt and made his legend there but left for a girl rather than to play as Roosevelt was almost winless the year before and he was already a two way starter at Salesian, hey women will make you do crazy things! Ironically the Ranger’s team Trainer was his WR, Fernie Montes, who ratted out Roger Clemoens for STERIODS. Small world huh? BTW my brother lead his “new” team to the Semis while going 10-2. So nothing against transfers, for ANY reason.

My beef is DURING THE SEASON. Over the years Joey you’ve known me to be strong in my opinions and hated by only drive by artists. To those that know me they’ll tell you I’m NOT lying when I say something. (hence NEVER been sued for slander or taken to task with evidence).

Joey I just believe a player should be left alone to develop with a team during the season. I mean why fill a kid’s head with, “You’d look good in Big Big Blue” DURING THE SEASON? Come on, that ain’t right.

Now as far as your Boise State analogy I don’t think it holds water. Nor do I believe there are ANY, and by ANY I mean serious, Amat haters. Every season it’s the same BS, some anonymous/no school frustrated comic, takes jabs at Amat for EVERY ONE’S entertainment…and Fred and Aram’s hitteration delight. EVERY year, same tired act. And here I thought Amat bloggers were smarter than that.

This year I saw Amat four times. I said early on they’d be 10-0, yes you can ask our mutual friends, and they might well be. One the League was down and two Coaching Matters, always has! That’s why you see so many former USC guys coaching locally. Hey Salesian had Rollinson when he was a pup in coaching circles.

Here’s my final point Joey, why be the Le Bron James of the San Gabriel Valley. I never hear Loyola hate, Notre Dame hate, St. Francis hate or Mater Dei hate. Heck EVERYONE RESPECTS LB POLY! Amat is better than that and you know I’m right.

My feeling is always the same, come correct.

Best of luck the rest of the way.

If you made it THIS far you’re still My Pal Joey.

No hard feelings. BTW Amat 73 is also part of my family. Opps sorry Amat 73 !

My Friend Sparta,
No need for the apology .The recruiting thing you mentioned I have no first hand knowledge and have only heard of accusations here on the blog. But if it pertains to someone saying “you would look good in blue” come on now or if there is more to it then come out and say it , don’t pull any punches because you have put it out there already. But you are dead wrong when you say there are no true AMAT haters. Believe me when I say there really are people out there who really have hate for AMAT .You can ask any Lancer about that and I am sure most have some first hand knowledge of someone hating on them only because of going to AMAT . Be it because they say we are arrogant or they think we think we are above all others or whatever they conjure up in their minds (like the little rich kids school line ) to justify the hate. Why would anyone go on here and spew some of the outlandish things they write about AMAT if there was not some true hate somewhere in their feelings . I am not talking about the village idiot but even you must admit he is a little over zealous with his bashing of AMAT . There are many others who will continually post and post things to knock AMAT that just aren’t true . It is one thing to talk football and say a few things about a team or coach but to come on here with some of the crap bloggers post about AMAT makes you wonder. Sure you can say they only do it to get a rise out of us but why try to rile us up in the first place .Think about that and see what you come up with as a valid reason for it . I will wait for your reply and by the way good to see you back as a few bloggers have been wondering where you’ve been . They were wondering if it had anything to do with Damien’s year so far . They said it I didn’t . Did you see where Fred was talking about some type of blogger get together . HUM wonder where he got that idea ? Pizza anyone !!!!!!!

Smoke & Mirrors,
I Have coached at many different schools in my 30+ years of coaching. I have coached at Mission Viejo, Diamond Bar, Vista (San Diego) as assistants. I choose not to disclose where I was head coach because my identity could easily be found. I have nothing to prove here.
I do think Mater Dei is a good program but they are not as dominant as they were. I see the tides turning towards Servite or Santa Margarita becoming the private school powerhouses in OC. When was Mater Dei’s last title? I don’t hate Amat as I have said before. Just because i don’t consider them an elite program. They have done nothing to make them elite. They are improving and are having a good year again, but I think they need to make it to at least the semis this year to be considered one of the best teams in the Pac 5. The programs i consider to be top notch have been pretty consistent over the last 5 years at least. It was just 3 years ago that Amat was 3-7… 5-5 the year before that. I would consider Amat a program on the rise.

My Friend,

Good to see your post here. You may have been lurking or stealth for a while, so some may be unfamiliar. To Amat Honk – let’s just say over the past few years we’ve “won him over” a little but. And whatever you say, My Friend, I know it comes from the right place.

I’m glad things are headed in the right direction and you view our young guys as an upgrade. I think it was a good move for a couple of them too, from a career perspective, but I’ve stated that before. I’ve heard they need to battle some “accountability” issues with the kids and are working an uphill battle to get some Spartans to realize what “going hard” really is. I’m sure they’ll get there.

I posted in the spring about the brilliance of the schedule. People can look it up if they wish – I don;t remember the thread, but “strategerie” was certainly in the back of someones mind. A school trying to get back *to the top* in an area with as many schools to compete with needs to promote there program to attract the creme of the crop. The “traveling road show” is the best way to do that. The proof is in the pudding. Come join the fun.

You know, as well as I do, that while hater is a relatively new term used to define someone who disagrees with you, there are those out there who revel in an Amat failure – and wait and search for them to happen. Fortunately, while they squirm in front of their computer screen in hope the gap between the local private school and theirs closes, they don’t surface as much anymore … but they’re still out there. Kind of like that classic UCLA bumper sticker about your Trojans – There are those whose favorite team is their own – and “whoever Amat is playing”. There are others that “get it” (to bring in an old MTC term) and understand that it is what it is (God – I hate that phrase… is it EVER what it isn’t?) And the Boise St argument is 100% appropo – but that’s another post altogether.

Like 73, I don’t have specific knowledge of any conversation that occurred – so I’ll be general. I heard the grumblings from a blogger that I can deduce was a Cathedral fan. If you’ve head the story – that may be a good deduction, as you know some folks form those circles too. Many of us all know the same people and many are related in some form or another. Longoria’s godfather is proud former Lancer. So friends, family, acquaintances talk. I also know that rumors, urban legends, old-wives tales, and fish-stories are rampant when it comes to this and I’ve come to go by the adage “don’t believe everything you hear and only HALF of what you see!”. I’ve heard stories about people … that turned out to be me – so I KNOW things float that are, at the very least, stretching the truth. I don’t doubt something was said, whether a line was crossed – I’ll believe you if you think there was.

You said “alumni coaches”? I don’t need to know if it’s varsity staff, lower level coaches, or “hangers-on” but I know where that line is and our experienced staff should too. Sometimes it’s hard to maintain “institutional control” on the others. Prior contact is nearly impossible to avoid 100% in the Fish-Bowl, but intent and crossing the line of “undue-influence” is how a violation is defined. Innocent comment between acquaintances? Power of suggestion? Or a violation? “B” is probably wrong and “C” is inappropriate. “*Recruiting* in season is wrong”… but so is recruiting out-of-season. But “recruiting” is a loose term thrown around by too many loose lips. Not saying yours are – but this has been floating for a few weeks.

Finally, I do know that winning (or trying to) sometimes does crazy things to really good people. If there is anyone out there trying to *get to the top* by bending rules, they know to stop. You can get there the right way. The Lancers have come a long way in a short time to get back in the “team picture” in the Pac5. I now can wake up on a Friday and know we’re going to compete… with anybody… instead of waking up wondering what foolish thing is going to happen – on or off the field. We can get the the front row of that picture the same way. No one should lose sight of that.

Best of luck to Sparta – especially those working with your young pups. We wish them the best (every week but one!)

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.