Mid-Valley: 1. Covina (7-1), 2. Arroyo (6-1), 3. La Puente (7-0), 4. Monrovia (4-3), 5. Whittier Christian (5-4), 6. Maranatha (6-1), 7. San Dimas (5-2), 8. Pomona (5-3), 9. Alhambra (6-1), 10. El Monte (5-2).
Fred’s thoughts: I knew previous No. 1 Maranatha would drop after losing their first game to Whittier Christian, but all the way to six? No surprise Covina is No. 1, they deserve it, but with Arroyo, La Puente and now Monrovia to follow, what if this is the way they finish? Covina will not lose again, so they finish No. 1. Arroyo has to go through Rosemead and El Monte, but will still probably win out and stay No. 2. La Puente is the only team of the top four that might lose, to Azusa in week 10, and Monrovia will win out. So, the game of the year is La Puente-Azusa, that controls everything. If La Puente wins, Covina and Monrovia most likely meet in the semifinals, and it’s a dream draw for Arroyo. If Azusa wins, Monrovia likely finishes third and would play be in line to face Arroyo in the semifinals, which would be relief for Covina. It’s fun speculating, the Mid-Valley will be a lot of fun come playoff time.