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.

Tribune Super 35 Rankings

1. Charter Oak (6-1) — The Chargers’ favorable schedule extends one more week against Claremont, then it’s all hands on deck against Damien, Chino Hills and the Inland playoffs. Offensively, they can do no wrong, averaging 40 points a game. But then again, they haven’t played a defense worth mentioning since Rancho Cucamonga.
2. Bishop Amat (6-2) — Maxpreps has Amat ranked 42nd in the state and Charter Oak 43rd. They’re that close. If Amat follows a Crespi win with a victory over Loyola, I may have to seriously considering bumping Amat back to No. 1. But that’s a big if, though I do like their chances with Zach Shay back. Speaking of Shay, I was surprised he played so well at Crespi considering he missed more than a month. He stepped in and it looked like he had never missed a beat. That was impressive.
3. West Covina (6-1) — The Bulldogs remind me of Charter Oak 2007 and ’08 in that they’re in a league and division where I don’t think anyone can touch them. It’s almost boring watching them win in workmanlike fashion since starting the Hacienda. Can Los Altos change that this week? I don’t think so.
4. Damien (6-1) — If coach of the year was handed out today, Spartans coach Greg Gano would be in the hunt because of a good mixture of non-league wins, and their 2-0 start in league. But let’s see if we’re still talking about it after they go through Chino Hills and Charter Oak.
5. Covina (7-1) — The Colts have basically wrapped up the Valle Vista League title with a win over San Dimas and Pomona, and with it probably the Mid-Valley Division’s top seed, because they will cruise to victories in their final two games. Just don’t get complacent Colts, the title is there for the taking.
6. Chino Hills (4-3) — The Huskies’ tough schedule has paid off in league, though they’ve beaten the two worst teams in Ayala and Claremont. Let’s see how they finish against Damien, South Hills and Charter Oak, because the jury’s still out.
7. San Dimas (5-2) — The Saints were No. 7 last week, but how do you drop them with Los Altos and South Hills, the teams ranked below them, losing also? Also, this is when I start buying San Dimas. The loss to Covina will probably be beneficial, because if they meet again in the playoffs, I like teams who get second shots.
8. Arroyo (6-1) — The Knights and all-purpose QB/safety Steven Rivera continue plugging along toward another MVL title. Say this about Rivera, he leads the area in passing and is second in the area in tackles. When’s the last time you remember a player do that, and how amazing would it be if at the end of the season, he was the leader in both.
9. South Hills (3-4) — It’s too bad they play no defense, because this is one of coach Steve Bogan’s best offensive teams since winning titles in the mid 2000s. And though they’ve lost four games, three could have gone either way against Colony, West Covina and Damien. But that’s been their story the last two years. They play good enough to make it entertaining, but find some way to foul it up when the game is on the line.
10. La Puente (6-0) –– It’s time for the area’s only undefeated team to crack the top ten rankings. Like Azusa in other years, you wonder if the record is legitimate, but at least La Puente and Azusa will be tested in week 10, when they get to face each other for the league title.
The rest: 11. Los Altos (6-2), 12. Pomona (5-3), 13. Diamond Ranch (4-4), 14. Glendora (3-4), 15. El Monte (5-2), 16. Claremont (4-3), 17. Bonita (3-4), 18. Azusa (5-3), 19. Diamond Bar (3-4), 20. Ayala (2-5), 21. Walnut (2-6), 22. Rosemead (4-3), 23. South El Monte (5-2), 24. Duarte (5-1), 25. Rowland (2-5), 26. Nogales (3-5), 27. Northview (2-5), 28. Baldwin Park (2-5), 29. Mountain View (3-4), 30. Workman (3-4), 31. Sierra Vista (3-4), 32. Gladstone (2-5), 33. Wilson (0-7), 34. Ganesha (1-6), 35. Bassett (1-6).

“I think we’re better than (last year), so I hope we don’t get blown out 42-7 again. But those guys (Chino Hills) are good. We’re going to give it heck. It’s an important game and means a lot to us.” –– Damien coach Greg Gano

“They got some good transfers who have helped them out. Overall team speed, they’re a lot better. They’re a very good football team this year. And they were very good at the end of last year. You know, Damien helped us get into the playoffs last year.” — Chino Hills coach Derek Bub

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Damien High School’s football team had three payback games on its football schedule entering the season. Last season, the Spartans suffered identical 42-7 losses to Bishop Amat, JSerra and Chino Hills. So far, Damien has done a pretty good job proving it is much improved from a year ago. The Spartans played Amat close for a half before falling 28-7. They later beat JSerra and now seek revenge against Chino Hills on Friday in a critical Sierra League game for both teams. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Damien. (To continue click thread).

Continue reading “Two-Minute Drill: Chino Hills at Damien, plus coaches weigh in on Friday’s meeting” »

Aram I discuss Arroyo vs. Rosemead, with Bishop Amat-Loyola, and Chino Hills-Damien drills to follow over the next two days….BTW, Arroyo’s coach Jim Singiser and Arroyo’s Matt Koffler will join the PrepXtra LIve Tuesday show at 7 p.m., don’t miss it.

Area’s statistical leaders reported to MaxPreps…
Quarterbacks
1. Steven Rivera, Arroyo, 2,084 yards, 23 touchdowns
2. Travis Santiago, Charter Oak, 1,845, 14 touchdowns
3. Brandon Martinez, 1,572, 20 touchdowns
4. Billy Livingston, 1,364, 18 touchdowns
5. Jacob Martinez, Azusa, 1,284, 10 touchdowns

Running Backs
1. Sir-Darius Yabrough, Pomona, 1,515 yards, 15 touchdowns
2. Jalen Moore, Bishop Amat, 1,134 yards, 16 touchdowns
3. Gevontray Ainsworth, 1,001 yards, 6 touchdowns
4. J.R. Nelson, Wilson, 916 yards, 5 touchdowns
5. Kurt Scoby, Charter Oak, 910 yards, 11 touchdowns

Wide Receivers
1. Hunter Duran, Arroyo, 45 receptions, 862 yards, 12 TDs
2. Aaren Vaughns, Charter Oak, 40 receptions, 753, 7 TDs
3. Jamie Canada, South Hills, 36 receptions, 721, 8 TDs
4. George Katrib, Diamond Bar, 37 receptions, 588 yards, 9 TDs
5. Terell Mosby, Pomona, 25 receptions, 526, 6 TDs

For standings, schedules and all statistical leaders, look at the SGV Tribune MaxPreps Widget.

Aram and I will go head-to-head in Tribskin Pick’em throughout the season with the loser buying lunch in December.
Last week: Robledo (15-3); Tolegian (15-3)
Season standings: Robledo (129-40); Tolegian (127-42)

Last week: Aram and I both went 15-3, but we took different roads there. We both missed taking Los Altos over Bonita, but I also missed taking South Hills over Damien, and Walnut over Diamond Bar. Aram lost taking Crespi over Bishop Amat and for whatever reason, Wilson over Northview. Our race is shaping up, with three weeks left and playoffs, I’m up by two.
This week: After calling Amat on the road at Crespi, I’m calling them at home on Friday too. They’ve already lost one Serra home game, you think they’re going to lose two? On homecoming? In another must-win? I don’t think so, but Aram does. I don’t think Tolegian will pick Amat to win any Serra games. As great as Damien has been in recent weeks, I think they lose the next two weeks and wind up finishing third in the Sierra. Chino Hills and Charter Oak will play for the league title at the end, and Chino Hills will show why by doing its part. Of course, Tolegian disagrees again. The other game Tolegian and I disagree on is Northview-Nogales, I like the Vikes, he likes the Nobles. Rosemead could screw up the Mid-Valley with a win over Arroyo, but don’t count on it. West Covina has another test at Los Altos, but the Bulldogs are passing all tests these days.

This week’s games and predictions
Thursday’s game
Azusa vs. Workman at Citrus College, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Azusa), Tolegian (Azusa)
Friday’s games
Loyola at Bishop Amat, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Bishop Amat); Tolegian (Loyola)
Chino Hills at Damien, 7 p.m. — Robledo (CHills); Tolegian (Damien)
Arroyo at Rosemead, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Arroyo); Tolegian (Arroyo)
West Covina at Los Altos, 7 p.m. — Robledo (WCovina); Tolegian (WestCo)
Glendora vs. Upland at Citrus, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Upland); Tolegian (Upland)
Bonita at Walnut, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Bonita); Tolegian (Bo-Hi)
Rowland at Diamond Bar, 7 p.m. — Robledo (DBar); Tolegian (D-Bar)
Gabrielino at El Monte, 7 p.m. — Robledo (El Monte); Tolegian (EM)
Mountain View at South El Monte, 7 p.m. — Robledo (SEM); Tolegian (SEM)
Bassett at La Puente, 7 p.m. — Robledo (La Puente); Tolegian (La Puente)
Gladstone at Duarte, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Duarte); Tolegian (Duarte)
Sierra Vista at Ganesha, 7 p.m. — Robledo (SVista); Tolegian (SV)
Charter Oak at Claremont, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Coack); Tolegian (Chargers)
South Hills at Ayala, 7 p.m. — Robledo (SHills); Tolegian (Huskies)
Covina at Wilson, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Covina); Tolegian (Chovina)
Northview at Nogales, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Northview); Tolegian (Nogales)
San Dimas at Baldwin Park, p.m. — Robledo (SDimas); Tolegian (San Dimas)

Larry Stout, who graduated from West Covina in 1978, wanted me to share this email with West Covina facing Los Altos this week.

Fred,
I am a transplanted West Covina Spartan, class of 1978, living in Missouri. First I want to thank you for you coverage of the SGV sports scene. My very best friend in the world was Bill Dunn who passed away 2 years ago and we had monthly phone conversations about the Bulldogs, tough for a Spartan to say that. Your coverage has allowed me to fill the info gap but the friendship gap will always be there. I know I am biased but one of the best SGV football games was the 1977 West Covina vs Los Altos game. We were both highly ranked going in and it was a tough, tough game (I personally took the hardest hit I ever took by a line backer named Jay Fairmon on a cut back run). West Covina won the game with no time on the clock as Los Altos lined up off side on the last play which allowed us one more play. As the two schools are playing this weekend I thought would share the blast from the past with you. Thanks for your work.