98 thoughts on “Tribskin Pick’em, your predictions and ours”

1. 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.

2. I’m laughing, I really am. Do you really think that’s what is going on?

   Bonita has not looked past any opponent. The boys will be prepared to play. Game of the week with the Bearcats on top.

3. 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.

4. Fred,

   You really think Glendora is going to win? Chad Jeffries is out for the season. There back up is injured. So you are looking at a average freshman starting. Plus it does not help when your Defensive Coordinator is not preparing the kids right. He is preparing to contain the opposing offense and not stop them. Glendora does not mind giving up 25 points a game, as long as the offense puts up more they are okay with that. Well it doesn’t work anymore. Sorry to say it but Glendora will give Alta Loma there first win of the season.

5. 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!!!

6. I’m trying to confirm how long Jeffries is out, but even without them, I think they can handle Alta Loma.

7. 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!!!

8. For the game of the week, I will have to take West Covina over Bonita. West Co definitely has better wins on their schedule thus far. I am still not sold on Bonita, they have not made me a believer just yet. A win over West Co and they will have me riding the Bonita bandwagon…

9. 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.

10. Wilson will beat BP and the parents will be happy.

    I guess we could hope for one of the 2.

    Got Cats!!!

11. 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?

12. Great post Don and I imagine it was done with tongue in cheek . The WC vs Bonita game has to be the GOTW without a doubt . If for anything just having Aaron and kh talk up Bonita so much this season and kh’s constant comparisons of AMAT and Bonita alone. Trying to tell them this week to keep quiet will be a full time job for you. As much as like the Bonita honks ( classy guys ) I have to go with WC Dan’s Bulldogs to show their strength as the power in the Hacienda . I said in preseason they would take league and I have not changed my mind on that . It will not be easy for WC as Bonita is a fine team but in the end WC’s running game will just wear the Bearcats down .See no reason to miss this game for the CO vs Damien game as CO will destroy Damien without a doubt.

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

14. Glendora said, I think you are correct. Like I said in previous posts, those coaches don’t care. Win or lose, there passion for the game is lost. It’s sad for those boys that are really giving it there all. But with no scheme or program, there forced to play with pure athleticism. It’s not fair. you can’t win football games that way.The Glendora community is very unhappy with there coaches performance. Something has to change.And for all the negotive comments about those boys, I mean come on , really? Are u that jealous Glendora parents? Cause little johnny’s not playing? If the Glendora parents would teach there kids to compete, rather than cry, they would have an even better team. I’m just saying.

15. 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

16. Cookie:

    Just what are your cookies laced with. Do you really thing Wilson is one of the most talented teams in the Valley? I’ve seen Wilson. They are at best #22 in the Valley. They would win a game in the Sierra League. I would say the same about the Hacienda League but they beat Loss Altos. They would get blown out by everyone else. Walnut crushed them in the scrimmage. I know it was just a scrimmage but it was a total physical mismatch. Wilson people come on here and blame everyone from the quarterback situation to the coaches. But the bottom line is that Wilson begged for relief from the Miramonte League. Now they are in a what is suppose to be a weaker league. What will their next step be?? Just face the fact that Wilson is in a down cycle right now. It will come back around eventually. It always does.

    SGV430 Ouutt!!

17. 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!!!!

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. SGV for 30 years,

    What scrimmage were you watching. I do believe you beat Wilson but if so by at most one score. Wilson scored twice and Walnut scored two or three times at most. Maybe you remember #12s 35 yard run against you guys. Dont get me wrong I believe Walnut would beat Wilson in a regular game but please.

23. 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.

24. Cookie you couldn’t be further from the truth, the O.C., and Inland Empire have superior athletic talent because of a better football demographic, that’s all. I’d like to see one of those coaches take over a Rio Hondo league team not named Monrovia, or Arcadia in the Pacific and see what they could do. If you don’t think Bogan, Farrar, Gano, Zernickow, Pasquerella, Singiser, Koffler, Thomas, or Snyder could coach a team with talent, you’re nuts…

25. 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

26. Wilson is very bad. Poor coaching yes but that is their fault. They hired Zavala. His defenses were horrible at Northview and at Workman. He is not a good public relations guy, but I would like him to have my back in a bar fight. They are pretty clueless over there.

    Merrill and Coach O are NOT coming back. Sorry guys, you will have to get another Co-ordinator from a quality program that wants to take a chance. Needs to have people skills rather than football knowledge. The defense may stink and you parents may not be happy but winning 5 games in his 2nd year is not bad. P.S. I hope Wilson beats BP, but I doubt it. How do you lose to Northview?

27. 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!!

28. Cookie (cute name by the way) ……Me a pendho huh? Please enlighten me as to the meaning of pendho. If you meant pendejo, I might resemble that remark……I have been called much worse. You are the perfect example of why, for the most part, SGV football sucks. The kids lack discipline and have role models like you guiding them. Like sorry cook said, it all boils down to demographics…..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. You mention Azusa killing teams….where are the teams they are killing located….you guessed it in the SGV. The socio economic, race and intelligence factors all play a role in athletics….if you are any example of the above mention facts, you need to look no further than yourself to see why SGV football is lacking.

29. “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…

30. Former Coach

    I agree w/ you about demographics. Once in awhile, a good SGV team will rise somewhere and have a couple a good seasons. But I do not believe any public SGV school can be consistantly good every year unless the transfers start flying in. Be prepared to get the “what about Chino Hills” people who beat Tesoro and REV.

    Most people do not consider Chino Hills as part of the SGV. I am one of those people and this is actually the first year that the SGV Tribune has included CH in their coverage. And let’s be honest, Chino Hills does not share the same demographics as the rest of the SGV.

31. 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!!

32. sorry cook,
    Seems to me you are a little mixed up. As far as Bogan and Gano ( people were crying about Morrison but this guy sucks plain and simple ) the only teams they can coach are teams with talent . They can’t coach their way out of a paper bag without talent or transfers as we are seeing this season. Without bluechippers those guys can’t do much. The others mentioned aside from Pasq, he has some good ballers but doesn’t know what to do with them , do a fine job of coaching up with the talent they have . Not to many kids transferring in to play ball at those schools so they do it with home grown talent. Imagine if they had a few studs transfer in .

33. 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.

34. FRED,

    I THINK IT WAS TIME FOR SOMEONE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR COVERAGE TROUGH OUT THE SGV.I ENJOY YOUR PAPER AND HAVE FOR YEARS. I THINK IT’S COMEDY WHEN YOUR TRUE FANS JUMP ALL OVER YOU ON YOUR PREDICTIONS WIN OR LOOSE. ON YOUR SAT. MORNING QB HENRY OMANA #14 WAS HOT. HE WAS ALL OVER YOUR BLOG. AS A FORMER COACH AND FOREVER FRIEND I HOPE YOU GET THE CHANCE TO MEET THIS KID AND HIS FAMILY. AN AWSOME KID, MY SON MENTIONS THE OMANA’S DAILY. HE TELLS ME SO AND SO AT SCHOOL SAID THIS AND THAT ABOUT HENRY ALWAYS GOOD THINGS. DAD DID YOU SEE HENRY’S DAD THIS WEEK. LETS GO GET SOME TACOS AT HENRY’S DADS PLACE. HOWS HENRY DOING? HENRY, HENRY, HENRY. MY SON PICKED UP TEN COPIES OF SATURDAYS PAPER FOR HIS LITTLE FRIEND HENRY ALL 6’4″ OF A STUD. THATS HOW MUCH MY FAMILY CARES FOR OMANA AND HIS FAMILY. FRED I KNOW YOU WILL TO. LEATHER HEAD HELMIT MAN OFF THE 60 FRWY, YOU WOULD LOVE THIS KID IF YOU EVER MEET HIM. HE IS A QUIET YOUNG MAN WITH A HUGE HEART, A GAMER, A WINNER AND A TOUGH SON OF A SHOT GUN! GOOD LUCK TO THE OMANA FAMILY WE LOVE YOU.

35. 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.

36. The Wilson Parents maybe demanding but what are they asking the Head Coach & Offense Coordinator? They are asking them to do their JOB and not half ass (D-is not acceptable). There is no magic wand to football just pick a system and learn how to coach it. The Offensive coordinator thinks he can run some magical spread option dual QB offense that has never worked anywhere but his dreams. Zavala is clueless because he is allowing the OC to experiment with these kids. The Wilson parents are not stupid they see right thru all the smoke and mirrors. Zavala you have two options learn how to be Head Coach by finding a Mentor or step aside.

37. 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.

38. I am a huge Amat fan but SO Notre Dame is a concern and I do not believe some bloggers on here understand just how good Notre Dame is. YES, Notre Dame is not its usual dominant Serra League self but one must look at their losses to gain a better appreciation for the Knights

    ND was routed by Serra (Understandable because its Serra, who are undefeated State Champs)

    ND lost to Valencia ( Vals only loss this season is to Loyola)

    ND 3-point loss to Taft (Taft only lost to Crespi by 6pts and only lost to Alemany by 10)

    ND 4-point loss to Dominguez (LA Times #20. Dom has beat Crespi and only loss this season is to Amat)

    ND 4-point loss to Chaminade (Chaminade is undefeated this season)

    To sum up, these are quality losses and I believe we need to give a bit more respect for Notre Dame. They have an awesome coaching staff and they do have the capability to pull off another upset. They already upset Loyola and they will be looking to avenge last years loss versus Amat (Jay Anderson ran all over the ND defense last season). I do pray our Lancers are not caught looking ahead to Alemany.

    Have a safe and productive week of practice, Lancers!

39. 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 .

40. Cookie Cookie cookie !!!! Do us all a favor get off the blog.

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

42. ootball jones said:

    Wildcat Googles

    Wow, some of these Wilson bloggers (parents?) are delusional.

    They somehow see Wilson as a football powerhouse loaded with D1 talent.

    I like Wilson and attended most of their gamesI see a 500 team.

    Sorry, but this team has a poor defense.

    If Wildcats win 5 in 2010 it would be a huge step forward from 09.

    Rather than support their HC, many just spew their idiotic amateur advice on this Blog.

    The most ignorant comments come from the screamers sitting at the 50 yard line.

43. 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.

44. Real Wildcat Parent (aka coach),

    Dont worry we have a complete staff lined up. These guys coach to win, not to keep the score down. They spend their friday noghts preparing for film on saturday, not drinking the night away.

    Funny how you just compared Zavala to Hoyd, I bet Zavala is pleased by that comment.

45. 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?

46. 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.

47. 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.

48. 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 .

49. 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 .

50. 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 .

51. 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.

52. Very interesting comment, if you are truly a parent from a junior player you would know the majority of the compliants are from the junior parents. If the coaching staff had any ideal how many families are upset with them. Parents talk about leaving but the reality of it is very few will leave. Lets just say if every parent that talked about it did leave, this staff would be in shock. The coaching staff is aware of three players I am personal aware of another two. That is five KEY players that are considering leaving that I am aware of, and I mean KEY players, could be more.

53. 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.

54. Wilson parents, why are you guys so upset??? Does he talk down to you? He is winning. If you don’t like his defense…too bad. If he was unprofessional that is one thing, but coaching (or lack of coaching) differences isn’t for you to decide.

    If he is unprofessional, we would like to know. I he an arrogant jerk? Most coaches are arrogant. Does he talk down to the players?

    If he just can’t coach, or you don’t like his decisions…. that is too bad.

55. 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??

56. Wilson Issues,

    We really do not give a rats a– who stays who comes back and who is dissatisfied amongst Wilson players and their parents, albeit Juniors or Seniors. The team will continue to field a squad, the errrrrrr “so called” great players that leave will be replaced , because everyone is replaceable last time I checked. In the thick of things the players that do leave, if they must, will take their cry baby parents with them and they can become some other HS football teams problem for next year. Wilson will be Wilson winner or loser and will always field a football team. So if you must take your four errrrr “so-called” studs and moved them. Thats right, ever hear of the Athletically motivated transfer rule. Have fun…Go Wildcats, we will finish strong! To the complainers pull your kid now and take him off the team for the last two games to prove your point of ignorance. We will take the field without you pathetic parents in the stands.

57. 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.

58. Real Wildcat Parent(aka Coach}

    Interesting that you play the athletically motivated card, that is the reason why Zavala willnt be back next year. Most of these parents willnt be able to move due to CIF rules. So they are going after Zavala via CIF. Zavala knows exactly what I am talking about, just like you do. With that CIF violation eariler in the year, and now two more this year then you have that one over at El Rancho who is going to hire a guy that has four CIF violations on his resume.

59. 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.

60. Hey From the IE, not the SGV,

    Race or size has nothing to do with what you can accomplish. If you think like this your a moron. As far has hispanics who’s is the UFC Heavyweight Champion? A hispanic you jackasses.

    Hey former coach you must one of those dumb ass hispanics your talking about.

61. Bishop Amat 35 Notre Dame 17

62. Real Wildcat Parent,

    Read what you wrote, that has coaching staff written all over it. Look at the wording you used

    “We really do not give a rats a– who stays who comes back and who is dissatisfied amongst Wilson players and their parents, albeit Juniors or Seniors.”

    That is not a parent commenting that is the coaching staff. What is even better look at the date and time stamp, 3:30 p.m., write before practice starts.

63. 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.

64. former coach –
    Major contributors of the 8-0 #1 team in the SGV & #3 in the Pac-5 Bishop Amat Lancers
    Ruiz
    Gonzales
    A.Sanchez
    I.Sanchez
    Orduno
    Rodriguez
    Carillo
    Velasquez
    Hernandez
    Rivera
    Aguilar
    Zamora
    Acuna
    Montes
    Torres
    Alcantara
    Sandoval
    Casarez
    Juarez
    Castellanos
    Varella
    Any questions?

65. 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?

66. Saladays,
    “Big time colleges want size and speed” = Better athletes. My point exactly. If I have 2 kids who have equal stats and one is 5’8 170 lbs with a 4.9 40 and the other is 6’3 220lbs with a 4.6 40………who am I going to choose? Why do you think there has never been a team from the SGV that has even been close to playing in a state championship game? The SGV doesn’t have the athletes to compete at that level. I am not baggin’ on the kids. I am sure they have have huge hearts and are tough as nails but when it comes down to it they just aren’t as athletic (Big, strong & fast) as other areas like orange county, the IE or San Diego in general.

67. 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?

68. From the IE, not the SGV,

    The reason no sgv team has been to the state championship games was because of the previous setup. Most SGV schools were division II based on enrollment so you had pac 5 private schools in those games in division 3 it was either St Bonaventure, Oaks Christian, or Serra, The way the games are set up now Charter Oak and La habra would have participated in previous years.

    Once again I’m talking about High School, college picks the bigger guy not better player. The SGV does have the athletes to compete for a state championship. Bishop will be there if not this then next year.

    ps northern california doesn’t have the “athlete’s” to compete in those games either. Yet De la Salle beat Crenshaw, Rocklin barely loses to Servite, Bellamine barely loses to Oceanside Last Year.

    Since your form the IE who had the better athletes in 2007 Centennial or De la Salle.

69. 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.

70. Saladays,
    There is no way Charter Oak would have been selected for the State championship game….strength of schedule was way too weak and La Habra is not in the SGV. De La Salle has very disciplined athletes that have talent. They have the whole bay area to draw from, they are about the only game in town. They always have 2 or more D 1 players on that team every year including many that are playing on Sundays – Maurice Jones – Drew ring a bell? DJ Williams? Tj Ward? Kevin Simon? Derek Landri? Matt Gutierrez? So I would say De la Salle MAY have some athletes. Name other schools in CA that have that many recent graduates on NFL rosters.

    Centennial had better athletes in ’07 but less discipline. It was still a very close game.The main reason that De la salle is always competetive is that their coach demands discipline and team work…..they have a tradition of winning and that is very contagious as is losing.

71. 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

72. Former coach you are leading this into a race issue. Hispanic and cannot compete when it gets to playoff rounds. What you are trying to say is Hispanics cannot compete with the Predominantly Black and White schools, just say that and stop beating around the bush. Just because Lakewood won last year does not mean Amat was dominated, Amat was ahead and had a few miscues that led to their loss. The same could be said in that game Against LB Poly. It had nothing to do with Skin Color. As for the hispanic not being big enough etc. The Hispanic may not be sending large numbers of players to the NFL or into college football but they are sending some which is a plus. It is quick how people forget years ago a Guy named Anthony Munoz who played a big time career with the Cincinnati Bengals along side another Hispanic Max Montoya. Now you have names in the NFL like Garrido, Garza, Chilo Rachal all linemen in the NFL not to mention the guy Patriots Tom Brady has been throwing to Hernandez. so I really do not see the arguement of Hispanic not making it. By the way out of La Puente St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Bishop Amat both Ceasar and Jose Rodriguez Both played 4 years at the University of Kansas and participated in bowl games. both were approx. 6’5″
    Hispanics are growing bigger just like everyone else and when you get on a field for a football game all that gets thrown out the window, it is game on! and it does not matter what your skin color is “former coach” I can see why it is “FORMER”

73. 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.

74. just askin’
    “your” up
    this should be fun

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

76. Hey Former Coach, stay former coach you have no clue. Whats is the toughest sport in world today.
    Mixed Martial Arts if you want to test your man hood get in the ring. As far has hispanics who’s is the UFC Heavyweight Champion? A hispanic you jackasses.

77. 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.

78. Former coach,
    First of all AMAT is a Catholic high school. We mainly get students from Catholic elementary schools of the SGV and some from outer lying areas. The closest school to AMAT is St Louis of France and after that the nearest is 3-4 miles away in St Joseph. Not that many within the 5 mile radius .Since AMAT does depend on Catholic elementary schools for the majority of their students it would be kind of hard staying within that 5 mile radius .AMAT also gets a share of students from public schools and there are many that continually come from the same public schools year after year . If you are going to come on here and knock AMAT then you should have your facts straight. You ask why is it AMAT cannot compete when they get to the playoffs. I think we compete very well and getting better every year. You as a coach should know it is not always who has the biggest and the faster players your demographs that wins the game. I believe our past problems have been in the coaching department which I truely believe have been addressed and you we will see a title in these next years including possibly this year. Our players and demographs have not changed in years .We were joking at the Crespi game when one of our offensive lineman came out due to a minor injury , he was about 5’7″ to 9″ 185-200 or so as being the protypical AMAT lineman and sure enough his replacement was his exact twin in size and statue. We have today in players what we had for years with the main difference being the coaching like I said . We now have a coach who knows what Lancer football is and should be which is why we are now in a battle for league championships and going on to CIF and moving further each of last 2 years. Hags is in his third year and the team gets better each year so give him a few more and the title will come . People like you come on here and knock AMAT for not winning the championship but at the same time those expectations are fine because that is what was expected of AMAT back in the years up to the 90’s and is what is being expected of AMAT again and that’s where we want to be . You say you are a former coach but I question that because by being a former coach you should know just how tough it is to win a PAC -5 championship and it’s not like we got blown out or lost to some scub team these past 2 years. Also I think making the playoffs these past 2 years and winning the Serra league championship last year with the outlook for a repeat on both this year would catagorize AMAT as elite or near elite but then again what do you consider elite .

79. 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”.

80. Just askin’,
    There are many Quality programs that I would consider “top level” programs. The list a couple of posts below is an excellent example of some of the ones that come to mind. I have coached against some of those programs and there is a reason the continually win. They get top notch athletes that buy into the program. They get solid coaches that run disciplined programs and surround themselves with good coaches. They make winning a habit/tradition and don’t except failure.

    Here is a list of top level programs that come to mind:
    1) De La Salle – I have met with coach Ladouceur on a few occasions. That man has “it” going on. He commands respect and treats players fairly.
    2) Corona Centennial – Coach Logan has kids lined up to come play for him. He is a Players coach.
    3) Oaks Christian – They get players! (former pros send their kids there)
    4) Mission Viejo – Bob Johnson runs the best program in talent rich OC.
    5) Hart – Mike Harrington knows success in the finals 6 out of 7 years!
    6) Long Beach Poly – Don’t Care for Coach Lara, but you can’t argue with success.
    7) Oceanside – Talk about tough kids – Hands down the toughest school I ever played against
    8) Cathedral Christian (San Diego) – Great program
    9) SO Notre Dame – They are struggling this year but the have had lots of success recently
    10) Servite – I think they might start dominating
    11) Serra – Pure Athletes – like having a track team in FB gear

81. 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.

82. IE ,
    Funny thing about your list is there are only 3 PAC-5 teams . So in that I guess you don’t think much of any of the other teams in the PAC – 5 . If you only consider teams making it to the final as elite ok but that is a pretty high standard . Not many teams will ever reach thet status to you . Why you would include Servite beats me as they have just recently won the the PAC-5 and not much before last year to catagorize them elite . Why no Mater Dei if you would include Servite is beyond me . But that’s fair as we know what your standard is to be considered elite. Now are you only considering d-3 and higher as teams that can be elite would be my next question to you and probably to former coach also . What is interesting is that neither of you have back to back CIF champion Charter Oak on the list . Why leave them out as they pretty much dominated their division and league for the past years . Is it because you will not consider low level divisions ( and I am not knocking CO by any means ) or what is the reason for overlooking them . I would consider them elite by the standards you have put forth.

83. 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.

84. So a team that wins the 4th toughest league IN THE NATION isn’t “elite”?

85. 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

86. From the IE, not the SGV,

    Coaching is the thing, talent comes and goes but great coaching and teaching builds consistency in a program. Look at Canyon high before Welch and after, look at St. Margaret’s before and now, look at Santa Margarita now.

    De La Salle has a tradition of “working” that is why they are so good year in and year out. They have still won cif when they had no D1 guys on the roster. This years Oline has no D1 guys on it and it may be the best I’ve seen them have which is saying a lot.

    Best all around teams in Pac 5 this year are Bishop Amat and Santa Margarita.

    Best Defense is Servite.

    Most loaded is Mission Viejo.

    Who wins? Don’t know I think Bishop has the most room for growth Servite is running Welch’s defense and Mission Viejo may have too much.

87. 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 .

88. Lets just get this out in the open already. Former Coach is a Amat hater, as he would not call Mater Dei a Elite team because of prefrence not to (reasons). The same holds true with Amat he is in here stiring the pot and debating against Amat. He has the same feeling for Amat as he does for Mater Dei. Why even acknowledge what he is trying to say here, he is a blowhard. Since he is a former coach how come he does not at least come in and say where he used to coach.

89. 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 !

90. Pal – Thanks for the lineage BUT that doesn’t make what you say fact, true or the definative word on the matter. We all have family members we don’t like and you just made the list! Being that you are a….Close(?) member or cousin to, the Amat Family I find it disgusting that you would come on here and air these types of allegations and/or opinions on a Public Forum. If a coach telling a player that they would look good in Amat Blue is recruiting…I don’t even know how to answer or respond to that. Other than to say that your opinion of what recruiting IS ludicrous!!! Your “accusations” of illegal recruiting are off point and ill conceived. Personally I don’t think that the behavior you speak of is anything but harmless banter between a coach and a player. A form of harmless flattery towards a player. A form of congratulations and recognition for a game well played maybe? As a player, that was one of the biggest forms of flattery/praise/recognition I could get from an opposing team, to have one of their coaches personally acknowledge my efforts on the field. This did not make me want to change schools. This did not make me want to leave my team and go play for that coach, what you are insinuating is absolutely ABSURD!!! Could it be that your outraged was preconcieved by your belief that Amat scheduled some pre-season games for the very purpose of allegedly recruiting. I wont say that playing some of these teams didn’t have that effect (how could it ot when you see a program like Amat’s first hand), but it is most certainly NOT because a coach told a player he would look good in their uniform. Anyway, I say that the Amat Family should be considered minus one from this point on. If you do not or were not an Amat Family member in the first place then I guess you wont care but really dude, you should know better. Shine on Big Blue, Shine On!!!!!!

91. 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 !!!!!!!

92. Amat 73

    As always Family first. Good to know people are thinking about me even when I’ve been gone for months. As far as Gano goes I think we’ll be fine as long as we have Amat men coaching teh Freshmen, which has always been my beef, poor coaching. Plus anytime you have Spooner on campus that’s a plus.

    As far as the “rile them up” comments I know the difference between hate and envy, which most, but not all, Catholic schools kids deal with. I mean why not, we have pride like no other, have parents that suffer like no other and build family liek no other. In other words we believe we have made teh sacrifice equal to our parents sacrifice. So when I say it’s a “tired game” it is. One major frustarted comic and lots f serial post. That’s what I’m talking about. Is there the occassional COCF, yes but that’s more to do with beer swigging talk than substance. So there’s that.

    Luckily for us Mustangs we “lived” in an area where our Pride was respected and not looked on as being smug. I mean we were conditioned to believe since elelmentary school that we were “off limits” to gang violence…and we were/ Plus teh dances , where every one was invited, went a long wat towards peace in our part of town. Not saying we didn’t throw down but mostl;y it was with Cantwell and Cathedral for jackets or girls. Fonzie level stuff. Happy Days in the Barrio, if you will.

    As far as Amat Honk. Take it from thos ethat know me, there’s a piurpose to every thing I do. I don’t take putting myself out there lightly. I’m sure teh right peopel knmow what I’m saying and why. I welcome you to talk to me when you see me, I ain’t hard to find and we will agree to discuss this as you say, “within the family”.

    My point is this, Amat is on teh verge of being a very good team, like New Orleans was last year. How that’s not truye is illogical. Huge line, great coaching. Solid, disciplined LBs, greta coaching. Stud Qb with ever increasing confidence to go with incredibel athleticism, a herd of soon to be great back, with great coaching and a DB squad unlike any other I’ve seen in this Fish Bowl of ours, and they’re incredibly young, gifted, atlented and extremely well coached. Better coached in fact than any position in the Valley.

    As far as “you’d look good in Big Big Blue” tryust me when I say this. Thta’s all I’ll say out of respect for Bishop Amat. I hope I made my pouint to those that neede to hear the point.

    Maybe now I’ll meet Joe Amat, lol.

    Liek I said before, and Amat 73 will vouch, I know what I’m saying and why.

    Amat is studding up. Would I send my kids there, no. Are they a great football school, absolutely. But liek the USC President said at teh Orientation…”USC is not for every body
    ….neiether si Amat.

    BTW my kid graduates this May from USC’s Marshall School of Business, in four years like I said he would. Best of luck in Lancerville. Don’t take this wrong as it was cautionary in spirit.

    Last point, thanks for the coaches. Great guys.

93. 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.

94. Amat 73

    As always Family first. Good to know people are thinking about me even when I’ve been gone for months. As far as Gano goes I think we’ll be fine as long as we have Amat men coaching teh Freshmen, which has always been my beef, poor coaching. Plus anytime you have Spooner on campus that’s a plus.

    As far as the “rile them up” comments I know the difference between hate and envy, which most, but not all, Catholic schools kids deal with. I mean why not, we have pride like no other, have parents that suffer like no other and build family liek no other. In other words we believe we have made teh sacrifice equal to our parents sacrifice. So when I say it’s a “tired game” it is. One major frustarted comic and lots f serial post. That’s what I’m talking about. Is there the occassional COCF, yes but that’s more to do with beer swigging talk than substance. So there’s that.

    Luckily for us Mustangs we “lived” in an area where our Pride was respected and not looked on as being smug. I mean we were conditioned to believe since elelmentary school that we were “off limits” to gang violence…and we were/ Plus teh dances , where every one was invited, went a long wat towards peace in our part of town. Not saying we didn’t throw down but mostl;y it was with Cantwell and Cathedral for jackets or girls. Fonzie level stuff. Happy Days in the Barrio, if you will.

    As far as Amat Honk. Take it from thos ethat know me, there’s a piurpose to every thing I do. I don’t take putting myself out there lightly. I’m sure teh right peopel knmow what I’m saying and why. I welcome you to talk to me when you see me, I ain’t hard to find and we will agree to discuss this as you say, “within the family”.

    My point is this, Amat is on teh verge of being a very good team, like New Orleans was last year. How that’s not truye is illogical. Huge line, great coaching. Solid, disciplined LBs, greta coaching. Stud Qb with ever increasing confidence to go with incredibel athleticism, a herd of soon to be great back, with great coaching and a DB squad unlike any other I’ve seen in this Fish Bowl of ours, and they’re incredibly young, gifted, atlented and extremely well coached. Better coached in fact than any position in the Valley.

    As far as “you’d look good in Big Big Blue” tryust me when I say this. Thta’s all I’ll say out of respect for Bishop Amat. I hope I made my pouint to those that neede to hear the point.

    Maybe now I’ll meet Joe Amat, lol.

    Liek I said before, and Amat 73 will vouch, I know what I’m saying and why.

    Amat is studding up. Would I send my kids there, no. Are they a great football school, absolutely. But liek the USC President said at teh Orientation…”USC is not for every body
    ….neiether si Amat.

    BTW my kid graduates this May from USC’s Marshall School of Business, in four years like I said he would. Best of luck in Lancerville. Don’t take this wrong as it was cautionary in spirit.

    Last point, thanks for the coaches. Great guys.

95. 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!)

96. Man I dont know, it’s too early to really predict but somebody can get really high futures odds on Superbowl bets right now.

97. 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.

98. Wow!, this was a real quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to achieve anything

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