The SGV girls signees talk with the Inland Insider about their decisions.

Photo gallery of today’s signees at the Tribune

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
National signing day came and went, but the smiles, hard work and commitment it took for athletes to realize their dreams will last a lifetime.
For Bishop Amat baseball standout Rio Ruiz who signed a national letter of intent to play at USC, and South Hills’ Britney Rodriguez, who signed to play softball at UCLA, it was a chance to fulfill a verbal commitment they made after their freshman year.
“It’s a big relief knowing all the pressure is gone and it’s actually official now,” Rodriguez said. “It feels great knowing I’m going to a competitive school academically and athletically.” For Damien basketball standout Chris Reyes, it was a day to finally realize his dream of playing Division I basketball by signing with the University of St. Mary’s, and for La Verne Lutheran standout and reigning boys basketball player of the year Grant Jerrett, a day to soak it in a little longer, opting to make his decision official on Monday when he signs with the University of Arizona. (To continue, click thread).

The boys signees talk with Tom about their college choice.

2011 SIGNEES: TOP ROW: Brianna Kennedy (Bonita, Loyola Marymount), Chris Reyes (Damien, St. Mary’s), Jason Haney (Damien, Virginia Tech), Joe Munoz (Los Altos, San Diego State), Nick Hynes (Covina, Arizona)
TOP ROW TW0: Amber Stewart (Bonita, UC Irvine), Hanna Lancaster (St.Lucy’s, UC Irvine), Erika Williams (Diamond Ranch, CS Bakersfield),Chelsea Barnes (Diamond Ranch, Loyola Marymount), Rio Ruiz (BishopAmat, USC), Victoria Dennis (Bonita, UC Irvine), Vahn Bozian (Ayala,USC), Nick Hynes (Covina, Arizona).
TOP ROW THREE: Brandi Harkness (St.Lucy’s, St. Joseph), Justin Garza(Bonita, Cal State Fullerton), Dylan Goodwin (Diamond Ranch, Central Michigan), Karly Shockey (Chino Hills, Sacred Heart), Jackie Macy (St. Lucy’s, Colgate), Daniel Zamora (Bishop Amat, Stony Brook).
MIDDLE ROW: Laura Swan (St. Lucy’s, University of Illinois Chicago), Danielle O’Toole (St. Lucy’s, San Diego State), Paige Gumz (Chino Hills, Fresno State), Brogan Hoenisch (Chino Hills, Cal State San Marcos), C.J. Saylor (South Hills, San Diego State), Chad Lee (Damien, Stony Brook).
SECOND BOTTOM ROW: Taylor Langdon (Glendora, Fresno State), Nikki Girard (Chino Hills, Arizona State), Cassie Padilla (Bishop Amat, Santa Clara), Garie Blando (Chino Hills, UNLV), Alyssa Villalpando (Los Altos, Hawaii), Mariah Midyette (Los Altos, Bucknell), Carly Simpson (Diamond Bar, Nevada Reno), Ty France (South Hills, San Diego State).
BOTTOM FRONT: Brandi Wilson (Hawaii University), Kayla Papez (Charter Oak, Sacramento State), Danielle Mavridis (St. Lucy’s, University of San Diego), Sarah Macias (South Hills, Wayne State), Britney Rodriguez (South Hills, UCLA), Kristen Stewart (South Hills, Utah)

Note: I will post video interviews later tonight.

Wednesday’s National Letters of Intent Signees
Baseball
Rio Ruiz, Bishop Amat, USC
Justin Garza, Bonita, Cal State Fullerton
Vahn Bozian, Ayala, USC
C.J. Saylor, South Hills, San Diego State
Ty France, South Hills, San Diego State
Chad Lee, Damien, Stony Brook
Carlos Martinez, Nogales, Hawaii
Joe Munoz, Los Altos, San Diego State
Daniel Zamora, Bishop Amat, Stoney Brook
Nick Hynes, Covina, Arizona
Dylan Goodwin, Diamond Ranch, Central Michigan
Softball
Cassie Padilla, Bishop Amat, Santa Clara
Britney Rodriguez, South Hills, UCLA
Danielle O’Toole, St. Lucy’s, San Diego State
Danielle Mavridis, St. Lucy’s, University of San Diego
Brandi Harkness, St. Lucy’s, St. Joseph’s
Laura Swan, St. Lucy’s, University of Illinois at Chicago
Nikki Innamorato, Chino Hills, Cal Poly SLO
Nikki Girard, Chino Hills, Arizona State
Paige Gumz, Chino Hills, Fresno State
Garie Blando, Chino Hills, UNLV
Brogan Hoenisch, Chino Hills, Cal State San Marcos;
Jackie Wagner, Arroyo, Utah State
Kayla Papez, Charter Oak, Sacramento State
Taylor Castro, West Covina, Cal Baptist
Taylor Langdon, Glendora, Fresno State
Sarah Moore, Ayala, Missouri
Alyssa Villapando, Los Altos, University of Hawaii
Mariah Midyette, Los Altos, Bucknell University
Sarah Macias, South Hills, Wayne State
Kristen Stewart, South Hills, Utah
Taylor Miller, Glendora, La Sierra University
Girls Volleyball
Victoria Dennis, Bonita, UC Irvine
Jackie Macy, St. Lucy’s, University of Colgate
Taylor Scott, Claremont, Mississippi State
Brandi Wilson, Glendora, Hawaii
Karly Shockey, Chino Hills, Sacred Heart
Boys Basketball
Grant Jerrett, La Verne Lutheran, Arizona
Chris Reyes, Damien, St. Mary’s
Girls Basketball
Brianna Kennedy, Bonita, Loyola Marymount
Chelsea Barnes, Diamond Ranch, Loyola Marymount
Erika Williams, Diamond Ranch, Cal State Bakersfield
Girls Water Polo
Ambyr Stewart, Bonita, UC Irvine
Hanna Lancaster, St. Lucy’s, UC Irvine
Girls Golf
Carly Simpson, Diamond Bar, Nevada-Reno
Boys Swimming
Jason Haney, Damien, Virgina Tech

Continue reading →

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
The timing couldn’t be worse for Charter Oak High School’s football team to have had its star tailback on crutches over this past weekend. Kurt Scoby, the Chargers’ leading rusher, has a sprained ankle and might miss Thursday’s Sierra League championship game against Chino Hills. “He was told to stay on crutches all weekend and ice it around the clock,” Chargers coach Lou Farrar said. “He’s a tough kid and if there’s a way he can get on the field Thursday night, then he’ll get on the field. A lot depends on how much treatment he gets between now and Thursday.” Farrar officially listed Scoby as questionable and said his coaching staff will start working on a plan in case the sophomore sensation doesn’t play. (To continue click thread)

Continue reading →

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Consider the plight of the Bishop Amat High School football team.
The Lancers’ regular-season schedule is over. The team is on a bye week and its playoff fate is up in the air. And if you go out to Amat any afternoon this week, the Lancers are in pads practicing for a future they don’t know for sure exists. Amat’s postseason hopes rest on the performances of others and the luck of a coin flip, assuming those performances turn out in Amat’s favor.

Continue reading →

What a great start for SGV girls volleyball, both the Sierra and Montview Leagues swept through the first round, both going 4-0. You might expect that from the Sierra, but the Montview? Great stuff. In fact, in 17 matches, we have 14 teams moving on.

Bishop Amat wins: The South Pasadena High School volleyball team was on the verge of taking control of Tuesday’s CIF-Southern Section Division 2AA first-round playoff match against Bishop Amat. Not once, but twice. But the Lancers, the second-place team from the Del Rey League, responded with a pair of runs and scored a three-game sweep, 25-22, 25-19, 25-15
San Dimas wins: Good teams find a way to win, even on an off-night. San Dimas High School proved that by beating Rosemead 21-25, 25-14, 25-13, 25-22 in an opening-round game of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3A volleyball playoffs at The University of La Verne on Tuesday.

CIF-SS Girls Volleyball playoffs
Tuesday’s first-round results
Divsion 1A
Laguna Beach def. Glendora 25-15, 25-14, 25-18
Division 2A
Claremont def. Elsinore 26-24, 25-14, 25-6
South Hills def. Serrano 25-22, 25-20, 25-11
Bishop Amat def. South Pasadena 25-22, 25-19, 25-15
Chino Hills def. Paloma Valley 25-13, 25-15, 25-15
St. Lucy’s def. Corona Centennial 25-14, 25-10, 25-10
Division 2A
Diamond Bar def. Sunny Hills 25-15, 25-16, 25-13
Los Altos def. Village Christian 26-28, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25, 15-8
Troy def. Walnut 25-12, 25-19, 25-6
Division 3A
Rim of the Word def. Pomona 25-0, 25-0, 25-0
San Dimas def. Rosemead 21-25, 25-14, 25-13, 25-22
Northview def. Bolsa Grande 17-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-16
Covina def. El Monte 22-25, 21-15, 25-17, 25-13, 15-9
Division 4A
Gladstone def. La Sierra Academy 25-12, 25-13, 25-20
Azusa def. Desert 21-25, 25-12, 25-20, 25-23
Duarte def. Pomona Catholic 21-25, 25-22, 17-25, 25-22, 15-12
La Puente def. Upland Christian 25-17, 25-16, 25-17

THURSDAY’S SECOND-ROUND SCHEDULE
Division 2AA
La Reina at Claremont, 7 p.m.
La Salle at South Hills, 7 p.m.
Oaks Christian at Bishop Amat, 7 p.m.
Tesoro at Chino Hills, 7 p.m.
St. Lucy’s at San Marino, 7 p.m.
Division 2A
Diamond Bar at Arcadia, 7 p.m.
Adolfo Camarillo at Los Altos, 7 p.m.
Palm Desert at Bonita, 7 p.m.
Division 3A
San Dimas at Bell Gardens, 7 p.m.
La Sierra at Northview, 7 p.m.
Campbell Hall at Covina, 7 p.m.
Division 4A
Hemet at Gladstone, 7 p.m.
Azusa at Pacifica, 7 p.m.
Saddleback Valley Christian at Duarte, 7 p.m.
La Puente at Grace Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Results: Coaches, parents and volleyball caretakers, please have someone call in the results of tonight’s playoff matches to 626-962-8811, ext. 2242 or 2233 so that we can follow with a write-up of as many games as possible. We will cover two games tonight, and cover as much as we can throughout the playoffs. But we need your help tracking scores. For those at games, when it’s over, post the final score on the thread or quickly email it to me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com. Hopefully we can update most of the scores tonight, thanks.

Great episode of PrePxtra Live, opening with Damien coach Greg Gano saying that if he had to pick a winner between Charter Oak and Bishop Amat, he would take Amat. CIF-SS spokesperson Thom Simmons joins us on the phone (7:31 mark) to talk about Mid-Valley Division playoff scenarios. Players from La Puente-Azusa at 26:00 minute mark; players from El Monte-Arroyo at 39:30 mark; players from Chino Hills-Charter Oak at 56:00 mark and finally, Charter Oak QB Travis Santiago and Arroyo QB Steven Rivera on together at 1:23.30 ….check it out.

Tribune Super 35 Rankings
1. Charter Oak (8-1) – From this point forward, Charter Oak plays big-boy football, starting with trying to dethrone three-time Sierra League champ Chino Hills at their house on Friday followed by the Inland playoffs. We think our Chargers are good enough to get to the second round and possibly the semifinals. Do you?
2. West Covina (8-1) — Best thing that could happen to the Bulldogs is having a Week 10 championship game with Diamond Ranch. The best way to prepare to defend a title is having a game that means something, and this means a lot. If they lose, there goes the No. 1 seed in the Southeast and the No. 1 league entry. But if recents results mean anything, expect the Bulldogs to make a statement and win big at home in their league finale.
3. Bishop Amat (6-4) — The Lancers need a Hail Mary to get to the playoffs after last week’s disaster at Notre Dame, failing to take advantage of an INT that set up a first down at the 12 with almost two minutes left and a chance to control their own destiny. They lost, finished 1-3 in the Serra and now have to not only hope Crespi and Notre Dame lose to Loyola and Alemany respectively in the final games on Friday, but hope to win a three-way coin flip afterward. Is this Friday Night Lights or what?
4. Covina (9-1) -- All that stands between the Colts and the No. 1 seed in the Mid-Valley is pesky rival Northview. You don’t think the Colts stumble now do you? They’ve an over-time loss against the top team in the Southeast from being undefeated. This is their year, now they have to go out and get it done.
5. Chino Hills (6-3) — The sleeping giant is back ready to go after its fourth straight Sierra League title. Since winning the title in 2008, the Huskies are 16-3 in the Sierra, and have never gone 5-0 in league.
6. Damien (6-3) – Do you really think we should drop the Spartans after a close loss to Chino Hills and one that got away against Charter Oak? The Spartans are a year away from really making some noise, but they do not want to end the season with three straight losses after how they started. They get Ayala and need to win to get into the playoffs.
7. San Dimas (7-2) — With only two guaranteed playoff spots in the Valle Vista, the Saints need to beat surprising Pomona to lock down No. 2, otherwise they likely get in as a wild-card with an unpredictable playoff road. I thought Pomona worked Northview much easier than San Dimas did, but I still like the Saints on Thursday against the Devils.
8. Arroyo (8-1) — Quarterback Steven Rivera has 28 touchdowns to lead the SGV, but all he’s thinking about is beating El Monte and winning his third straight undefeated Mission Valley league title. If the Knights get hot in the playoffs, Rivera could go after the SGV single-season touchdown passing record of 42, set by Bishop Amat’s Pat Haden in the early 1970s and equaled by Los Altos’ Felipe Aguilar in 2000 during a 14-0 season.
9. La Puente (9-0) — How good is the area’s only undefeated team? We will find out on Friday when they try to snap three-time defending league champ Azusa’s 25-game league winning streak.
10. Bonita (5-4) -- The Bearcats got a huge overtime win against Diamond Bar and now just need to beat Rowland to get into the playoffs. Said it before and will say it again, they will be the biggest sleeper in the Southeast playoffs.
The rest: 11. Los Altos (6-3), 12. Ayala (3-6), 13. Claremont (5-4), 14. Diamond Ranch (5-4), 15. Pomona (6-3), 16. Azusa (6-3), 17. El Monte (7-2), 18. South Hills (3-6), 19. Glendora (3-6), 20. Diamond Bar (4-5), 21. Rosemead (5-4), 22. South El Monte (6-3), 23. Nogales (5-5), 24. Duarte (6-2), 25. Walnut (2-8), 26. Rowland (2-7), 27. Northview (2-7), 28. Sierra Vista (5-4), 29. Mountain View (3-6), 30. Baldwin Park (2-7), 31. Workman (4-5), 32. Gladstone (2-7), 33. Ganesha (1-8), 34. Bassett (1-8), 35. Wilson (0-9).

We have drills on all four league championships games this week, will show you the rest tomorrow since its a short week. Look below, the last time La Puente won the league title in 2007. Since then, it’s been all Azusa.

Inland Division
1. Centennial/Corona (8-1), 2. Vista Murrieta (4-5 or 9-0 reality), 3. Upland (9-0), 4. Redlands East Valley (9-0), 5. Rancho Cucamonga (8-1), 6. Charter Oak (8-1), 7. J.W. North (8-1), 8, Yucaipa (9-0), 9. Chino Hills (6-3), 10. Chaparral (5-4).
Fred’s thoughts: We continue to poke fun at the Sierra League’s chance in the Inland, yet Charter Oak is No. 6 and Chino Hills 9, and don’t forget, Chino Hills played Corona Centennial tough in last year’s semifinals. Let’s hope the Chargers and Huskies surprise some I.E. folks.

Mid-Valley Division
1. Covina (8-1), 2. Arroyo (8-1), 3. La Puente (9-0), 4. San Dimas (7-2), 5. Monrovia (6-3), 6. Whittier Christian (6-3), 7. Pomona (6-3), 8. El Monte (7-2), 9. Azusa (6-3), 10. Alhambra (7-2).
Fred’s thoughts: You know what’s crazy about this, say Covina, Arroyo, La Puente, San Dimas and Morovia win out. San Dimas would be on the opposite side of Covina’s bracket, moving Monrovia to No. 4. That could mean Monrovia vs. Covina in the semifinals with San Dimas on the side of the bracket with La Puente-Arroyo. You tell me, who gets the best of that deal?

Southeast Division
1. West Covina (8-1), 2. Arcadia (7-2), 3. Santa Fe (5-4), 4. La Serna (7-2), 5. Diamond Ranch (5-4), 6. Mayfair (5-4), 7. Bonita (5-4), 8. Los Altos (6-3), 9. Bellflower (6-3), 10. La Mirada (5-4).
Fred’s thoughts: I can’t remember a top ten bracket this unimpressive except for West Covina and Arcadia. Santa Fe at No. 3 with four losses? Do you remember what Charter Oak did to them? Let’s face it, if Arcadia doesn’t face West Covina in the finals, who is going to beat West Covina among this group?

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 (16-2); Tolegian (17-1)
Season standings: Robledo (160-45); Tolegian (160-45)

Last week: For those who question our predictions, neither one of us have had more than three losses in a single week for a third consecutive week. Not bad when you’re picking over 18 games. Aram edged me again with another hot week, going 17-1 to my 16-2, leaving us in a dead heat going into week 10 and the playoffs that follow. Aram got me taking Notre Dame over Amat and I got him on Nogales over Baldwin Park. But Aram got the extra victory with Claremont’s overtime win over Ayala.

This week: Here we go, four championships on the line Thursday. The Montview League is the most intriguing and will be our game of the week. Do you take Azusa and its 25-game unbeaten streak in league. Or La Puente, the only undefeated left on the best run in school history? Here’s the deal, I’ve seen them both, and when push comes to shove, I’m going with Azusa, the defending champs. They have the most dangerous weapon on the field, running back Desmond Reed. El Monte hopes to party like its 1979 and is one of the feel-good stories of the season. They showed the heart of a Lion by scoring two touchdowns in the final minute to beat South El Monte, but I don’t vision a Cinderella finish here. Arroyo is the best team in the Mission Valley with the best player in Steven Rivera. They don’t lose, especially at home. Charter Oak didn’t come this far to lose now. We still don’t know the health of Kurt Scoby, who injured his ankle in Friday’s win over Damien, but Scoby or no Scoby, the Chargers win their first Sierra League title on Thursday. They’re just better, and they’re going to prove it. Finally, Diamond Ranch at West Covina is merely a formality. The Bulldogs are the best team and have been the best team for weeks. They’re not giving up their No. 1 ranking in the Southeast now. Finally, Aram doesn’t have another Bishop Amat game to steal a win from me, but speaking of Amat, their only “so you’re telling me there’s a chance,” way of making the playoffs is if Notre Dame and Crespi lose on Friday, and the Lancers win a three-way coin flip later that night. Man, how would you like to be at Amat practices this week?

This week’s games and predictions
Wednesday’s game
Bassett at Ganesha, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Ganesha); Tolegian (Ganesha)
Thursday’s games
El Monte at Arroyo, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Arroyo); Tolegian (Rivera)
La Puente vs. Azusa at Citrus College, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Azusa); Tolegian (Azteca)
Diamond Ranch at West Covina, 7 p.m. — Robledo (WCovina); Tolegian (Noodles)
Charter Oak at Chino Hills, 7 p.m. — Robledo (COak); Tolegian (Charguhs)
Pomona vs. San Dimas at Bonita, 7 p.m. — Robledo (San Dimas); Tolegian (Saints)
Ayala at Damien, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Damien); Tolegian (Damien)
Diamond Bar at Los Altos, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Los Altos); Tolegian (Fighting Ryan Maines)
Rosemead at South El Monte, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Rosemead); Tolegian (Koffmead)
Duarte at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m. — Robledo (SVista); Tolegian (SV)
Covina vs. Northview at Covina District, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Covina); Tolegian (Chovina)
Bonita at Rowland, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Bonita); Tolegian (Podley)
Mountain View at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. — Robledo (MView); Tolegian (Gabrielino)
Workman vs. Gladstone at La Puente, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Workman); Tolegian (Workman)
Baldwin Park at Wilson, 7 p.m. — Robledo (BPark); Tolegian (Bravos)
Friday’s games
Glendora vs. Etiwanda at Citrus College, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Etiwanda); Tolegian (Eti)
South Hills at Claremont, 7 p.m. — Robledo (South Hills); Tolegian (Pack)

Where to send Mike the Cousin? What’s our game of the week? Tough questions on Thursday with four league championships, and three of them with undefeated league teams playing for the title. El Monte and Arroyo for the Mission Valley, La Puente and Azusa for the Montview and Chino Hills and Charter Oak for the Sierra where all teams are undefeated in league. West Covina has clinched a tie in the Hacienda, but Diamond Ranch can share it with a win and grab the No. 1 seed in league and knock the Bulldogs from the top ranking in the Southeast. Lots and lots on the line.

High School football schedule
Wednesday’s game
Bassett at Ganesha, 7:00pm
Thursday’s games
El Monte at Arroyo, 7 p.m.
La Puente vs. Azusa at Citrus College, 7 p.m.
Diamond Ranch at West Covina, 7 p.m.
Charter Oak at Chino Hills, 7 p.m.
Pomona vs. San Dimas at Bonita, 7 p.m.
Ayala at Damien, 7 p.m.
Diamond Bar at Los Altos, 7 p.m.
Rosemead at South El Monte, 7 p.m.
Duarte at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m.
Mountain View at Gabrielino, 7 p.m.
Workman vs. Gladstone at La Puente, 7 p.m.
Friday’s games
Covina vs. Northview at Covina District, 7 p.m.
Bonita at Rowland, 7 p.m.
Glendora vs. Etiwanda at Citrus College, 7 p.m.
South Hills at Claremont, 7 p.m.
Baldwin Park at Wilson, 7 p.m.

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

To view at all the CIF-Southern Section Girls Volleyball Divisional pairings, click here.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
St. Lucy’s, and San Dimas were the area’s only top seeds in its respective divisions when the CIF-Southern Section Girls Volleyball polls were released on Saturday. St. Lucy’s, the Sierra League champion and defending Division 2AA title holders, faltered down the stretch in the Sierra League, but still earned the No. 2 seed in Division 2AA and will host Big VIII at-large Corona Centennial in Tuesday’s first-round match at St. Lucy’s. In all divisions, wild card matches are Monday, followed by the first and second rounds on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. All matches start at 7 p.m. (To continue reading click thread).

CIF-SS Girls Volleyball playoff Schedule
Monday’s wild card game
Division 1A
Glendora at Immaculate Heart.
Tuesday’s first round
Division 2A
Claremont at Elsinore
South Hills at Serrano
South Pasadena at Bishop Amat
Chino Hills at Paloma Valley
Corona Centennial at St. Lucy’s
Division 2A
Sunny Hills at Diamond Bar
Los Altos at Village Christian
Bonita – bye
Walnut at Troy
Division 3A
Pomona at Rim of the World
Rosemead at San Dimas
Northview at Bolsa Grande
El Monte at Covina
Division 4A
Gladstone at La Sierra Academy
Desert at Azusa
Duarte at Pomona Catholic
Upland Christian at La Puente
All matches start at 7 p.m.

Continue reading →

For quarter updates of tonight’s games, click thread.

The Inland Insider has Sierra League highlights and interviews from Charter Oak and Chino Hills’ win, setting up Thursday’s league title between the two at Chino Hills.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Charter Oak, ranked sixth in the CIF-Southern Section Inland Division, kept its record perfect in the Sierra League with a 41-28 victory over Damien on Friday, setting the stage for next week’s league title against defending champ Chino Hills.
It was kind of bittersweet, however, because sophomore running back Kurt Scoby, who rushed for 89 yards and four touchdowns, injured his ankle late in the fourth quarter and left to the hospital for x-rays. (to continue click thread)

Tonight’s results and game stories
Charter Oak 41, Damien 28 — The greatest show in the SGV dominated, the score says they won by 13, but they were up 34-7 middle of the third quarter. Let’s hope Scoby is OK. Some of the things he did, the Chargers need to make the offense complete. The last thing they need is an chink in the armor now.
Chino Hills 36, South Hills 13 — Limiting South Hills to just 13 is a good sign heading into Charter Oak.
West Covina 40, Rowland 7 — The best thing for the Bulldogs is to have a league championship they can get up for after winning on cruise control the past few weeks.
Bonita 27, Diamond Bar 20, OT — After starting 0-2 and looking like it wasn’t going anywhere, Bearcats very much in the thick of things. If you’re looking for a sleeper in the playoffs, start right here.
Notre Dame 17, Bishop Amat 12 — It was there for the taking. You have to read the story to digest it all, but after getting a gift interception to set up first down at the 12 with 1:58 left, they couldn’t cash in. This is what it comes down too. Bishop Amat needs Alemany and Loyola to win next week, then hope to win a three-way coin flip for the third playoff spot.
El Monte 20, South El Monte 13 — Yes, the Lions can finally play for their first league title since 1979 at Arroyo next week. Great turnaround.
Arroyo 49, Gabrielino 3 — About what you expected, setting the stage for MVL All-the-marbles game with El Monte.
Azusa 41, Gladstone 7 — Aztecs romp again, and will go for fourth straight undefeated league title next week.
La Puente 49, Duarte 7– The Warriors won nine games for the first time in school history and can now win the league title next week at Azusa.
Rancho Cucamonga 34, Glendora 13 — Going in the Tartans still had playoff hopes, but nobody is surprised by the result. Say what you want, but given all the circumstances, they were better than anyone expected.
Workman 33, Ganesha 6 — That’s few times the Lobos put up a lot of points.
Rosemead 32, Mountain View 0 — Keeping their playoff hopes alive, Panthers get a blowout win to impress Mid-Valley posters.
Pomona 35, Wilson 21 — Much closer than expected, give it up for the Cats, they’re not laying down by any means.
Diamond Ranch 29, Walnut 14 — Coach Roddy said they would be playing for the league title after beating Bonita to open league. They didn’t do it as easily as he said, but they did get to the title game as promised.
Claremont 35, Ayala 34, OT — A huge loss for Ayala, but if the Bulldogs beat Damien next week, they each would have two wins and the Bulldogs could get in the playoffs. That’s providing South Hills beats Claremont.
Sierra Vista 62, Bassett 0 — The Dons have had a few games where their offense rolled like this. Just not enough of them.
Nogales 18, Baldwin Park 13 — Beating Northview and Baldwin Park back-to-back is a big achievement for the Nobles, who will someday compete for the Valle Vista title. But not yet.

TDro’s highlights for Bishop Amat at Notre Dame, and the wild finish.

Watch the postgame game discussion with all of us on TribXtra

Continue reading →

Thursday’s result
San Dimas 34, Northview 6. — The Saints led 21-0 at half and cruised home, setting up next week’s showdown with Pomona. I”m sure coach Z wasn’t happy with Sean Kennedy’s endzone flip, but it was at least an 8.5

Game Story: San Dimas High School set the stage for the final guaranteed CIF-Southern Section playoff spot from the Valle Vista League with a 34-6 win over an inspired Northview team Thursday night at Covina District Field. The Saints, (7-2, 4-1) will face Pomona for the second-place spot behind league champion Covina next Friday.

Bishop Amat quarterback Rio Ruiz got his MRI results back Thursday and there was good news. It came back negative, leaving Ruiz with just a sprain, not any damage to his ACL or MCL. However, he is still sore, hasn’t practiced this week and will sit out Friday’s game at Notre Dame in the hope Amat wins and makes the playoffs. Sophomore Koa Haynes will get the start at QB for the Lancers Friday. If Amat wins and gets in, Ruiz will have two weeks off before the playoffs since the Lancers have a bye in week 10. From everything I hear, if healthy, Ruiz will return for the postseason run.

Joe Amat, one of the founding bloggers and expert on anything to do with CIF, wrote in the “Super 35″ rankings thread that in a power poll, Bishop Amat is his No. 1. What a surprise. But I love it when when JMAT gets going like this, when he’s got a point to make, he makes his point. I don’t know who he was responding to in this comment, but he opens talking about a Charter Oak-Bishop Amat matchup.

Joe Amat: “You want them to play every year? Not realistic. In some years it would be good-others…not so much. Now remember, since the inception of this blog I have never said that we played a game that we could not lose. Why schedule someone if there isn’t a chance they can beat you? Same way with CO and WC. Each of those teams “could have” won. We put it on the carpet a couple times, penalties to call back score, or a pick he or there, the game changes. It could happen, but the odds (and results) are on Amat’s side ina big way.

Amat is at the top of my list because of what we know, have seen, and has been proven. CO or WC would go there because of what you might “think”. But you have the right to “think” that….even if you’re wrong ;-D

Joe Amat’s Power Poll (assuming Rio plays, explaints Joe)
1. Bishop Amat (5-2)
2. Charter Oak (7-1)
3. Chino Hills (5-3)
4. West Covina (7-1)
5. Damien (6-2)
6. Ayala (3-5).
7. South Hills (3-5)
8. Covina (8-1)
9. Claremont (4-4)
10. Glendora (3-5)

Listen to Petros and Money butter-up Maddox, talking about schedules, Monrovia’s title and of course, big-time recruit Ellis McCarthy, whom Maddox is hoping goes to USC. In fact, Maddox sort of broke some news, saying USC is at the top of McCarthy’s list, followed by California and Oregon … That doesn’t sound good for UCLA. Maddox explained Monrovia’s slow start (losses to Arcadia, South Hills and San Dimas), saying it was because of a, “CIF championship hangover,” and goes on to say the San Dimas loss “fired them up.” … I don’t if that’s the case, there’s probably nothing like the Rio Hondo league to get the confidence going again, right?

“The kid is the top quarterback in the Valley, bar none. He’s the best quarterback I’ve seen in a long time and he’s the best quarterback they’ve ever had throwing the ball. There’s no question. He’s a weapon. You go into a game trying to contain that guy and you can’t contain him. I think everybody they’ve played has said the same thing. And guess what, 63 points later they’re still saying the same thing, `We should have contained him.’ “ — Damien coach Greg Gano on Travis Santiago

By Aram Tolegian
Damien High School football coach Greg Gano knows it’s no secret his team has to stop Charter Oak quarterback Travis Santiago to have a chance to upset the Valley’s top-ranked Chargers. But doing it may be another story.
“The kid is the top quarterback in the Valley, bar none,” Gano said of Santiago. “He’s the best quarterback I’ve seen in a long time and he’s the best quarterback they’ve ever had throwing the ball. There’s no question. He’s a weapon.
“You go into a game trying to contain that guy and you can’t contain him. I think everybody they’ve played has said the same thing. And guess what, 63 points later they’re still saying the same thing, `We should have contained him.’ ”

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Damien sophomore pitcher Grant Hockin, the grandson of Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, who passed last May, has given a verbal commitment to attend UCLA on a baseball scholarship. Hockin’s brother Chad, a junior who had a sensational postseason run last year, is also being courted by several D-1 schools.

By Aram Tolegian
El Monte High School is one win away from putting itself in position to play the biggest game in recent school history. The win they need to get to make it happen? Rival South El Monte on Friday. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at South El Monte. If the Lions win and heavily favored Arroyo takes care of business against Gabrielino, the teams will meet in Week 10 for the Mission Valley League championship.
“Who better to play this week to get to the big show, which would be next week, than South El Monte?” El Monte coach Joel Sanchez said. That’s the message Sanchez has been delivering to his players in practice this week. El Monte (6-2, 3-0) is tied with Arroyo (7-1, 3-0) for first place in the league standings. South El Monte (6-2, 2-1) holds its playoff fate in its own hands. If the Eagles can beat El Monte on Friday, they will take a big step toward reaching the Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

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By Fred J. Robledo, staff Writer
Admittedly, it wasn’t La Puente High School junior Elisa Valenzuela’s best performance.
But when the big moments arrived in the deciding fifth game, Valenzuela came through in the clutch. After watching visiting Azusa rally from two-games down to force a fifth game that teetered back and forth — Valenzuela ended the evening’s longest rally with a thunderous kill down the line to give the Warriors a 14-12 lead.
But the Aztecs, just as they had all night, battled back and tied it at 14-14 on Andriah Afati’s innocent poke over the net. Then it was Valenzuela’s turn again. She hit another winner to go up again 15-14, then served out the match, leading La Puente to its fourth straight Montview League girls volleyball title, 25-17, 26-24, 21-25, 21-25, 16-14. (To continue click thread).

Bonita clinches Hacienda: The Bonita girls volleyball team used strong defense to defeat Diamond Bar 25-20, 25-22, 25-18 and clinch the Hacienda League title on Tuesday. Seniors Kathleen Torres and Francesca Essilfie kept Diamond Bar (19-7, 9-2) in the match, but the Brahmas could not find an answer to Bonita’s Victoria Dennis, who led the Bearcats (14-4, 11-0.)

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The Inland Insider, Tom Kiss, was at Tuesday’s finals and has highlights and interviews, check it out.

By Clay Fowler, Staff Writer
It was appropriate the Sierra League cross country finals took place on a college campus, given the way the Ayala High School boys’ team impatiently lingered outside the scorers’ tent like students waiting for test scores to be posted. The team, led by coach Dawn Staab, stepped on the heels of an official on the way to the bulletin board before the results were posted, confirming a sweep of the league titles by the Ayala girls and boys, who set a school record at Mt. San Antonio College.

Damien claimed the top two spots in the boys’ race but Ayala placed its five runners third, fifth, sixth, eighth and 14th to edge the Spartans 36-47. Ayala’s time of 79:50 for its top five runners beat the school record at Mt.SAC by 12 seconds.

The Ayala girls finished behind the Claremont sophomore duo of Megan Renken and Marin Arft, but the Bulldogs placed all five runners in the top 10 to edge Claremont 32-40.

Seniors Jaclyn Gonzalez and Chandler Colquitt finished third and fourth, respectively, for Ayala. The final three runners placed seventh, eighth and 10th while Claremont’s top group was rounded out by ninth-, 13th- and 15th-place finishes.

“It’s been a rollercoaster season for the girls, and for them to win it outright was awesome,” Staab said. “You’ve got to hand it to those Claremont girls. They’re great competitors, but in the end its the pack that matters. Our teams seem to be putting the wheels on the wagon just in time for CIF.”

Baseline League
A Rancho Cucamonga boys team ranked first in the state in Division I looked the part in the Baseline League finals at Mt. SAC. After placing five runners in the top six the Cougars acted the part, too.

Senior Luis Gutierrez led the Cougars to a league championship by finishing first in 15:24 despite suffering from what he thought was the flu.

“This isn’t really what matters to us,” Gutierrez said. “What means a lot is winning the CIF prelims and finals. We treated this like a workout, just wanted to finish with all the team members not too far apart.”

Mission accomplished for Rancho Cucamonga, whose second-place finisher, Jon Dileva, crossed the finish line 14 seconds after Gutierrez. A total of 14 seconds separated the remaining four Cougars runners. Alta Loma’s Cole McDowell, who placed fourth in 15:44, was the only runner not from Rancho Cucamonga to finish in the top six. “This is the best team we’ve ever had,” Rancho Cucamonga coach Terry Tierney said. “Our time at the Mt. SAC Invitational two weeks ago was the fastest we’ve ever run here. We’re going to CIF to win.”

Glendora, winners of the girls’ race, finished second in the boys’ race. Leading his team to a third-place finish, Etiwanda senior Jesse Martinez placed seventh in 15:55 ahead of four consecutive Glendora runners.

The Rancho Cucamonga girls finished second with a team score of 60 to edge Etiwanda, which had a team score of 64.

Glendora claimed the top three places, but Rancho Cucamonga’s Carolina Guzman came in fourth with a time of 19:26. Los Osos’ Alex Gonzalez rounded out the top five with a time of 19:37 to help Los Osos to a fourth-place finish with a team score of 79.

Tribune Super 35 Rankings
1. Charter Oak (7-1) — Ranked sixth in the Inland Division, the Chargers need to win out, finish 9-1, win the Sierra League and then hope for a top four seed. That would give them the best chance of advancing a round or two in the playoffs, then who knows? I said it last year, and it’s true again: Charter Oak’s back-to-back Southeast titles were great, but a deep run in the Inland could be their finest hour, and what I mean by that is a semifinal or championship appearance. Do they have a chance? The next two weeks are telling, if they whip Damien and Chino Hills, they’ve got a good chance. If they sneak past or lose to one of those two, It’s a sign they’re not ready for the big boys.
2. West Covina (7-1) — At the end of the day, they’re playing like defending champions. They’ve got the athletes, swagger, coach, and a division that anyone with their talent would love to be in. They’re dominating like Charter Oak, Los Altos and South Hills did earlier this century. Farrar’s got five titles and Bogan and Gano have four each. This should be the year Maggiore gets to three, and if the Division remains as it is for the next two years, you’re looking at La Habra North.
3. Bishop Amat (6-3) — That swagger, the momentum finally gained in the Crespi win left with Rio Ruiz’s injured knee in Friday’s 14-3 loss to Loyola. It took that long for the Lancers to get over the Servite loss and get their mojo back, but now with Ruiz’s future uncertain, they’re going to have to dig deep to get a win on the road at Notre Dame and make the playoffs. And since we all like predictions, here’s one: If Amat makes the playoffs, Ruiz, providing he gets a favorable MRI and feels good, will play in the playoffs. My gut is you don’t come this far and miss the glory part of your senior year.
4. Covina (8-1) – You get the question, how would Covina do in the Southeast? Answer, win the Mid-Valley first. The Colts are in that dangerous position of being ranked No. 1, being the team everyone is talking about to win it. They have a week off then finish with rival Northview. I’m on board, I won’t pick them to lose against anybody.
5. Chino Hills (5-3) — It didn’t take a football expert to know this might happen, that the Huskies’ tough preseason schedule and the losses that came with it had no bearing on the Sierra League. Although it faces Charter Oak next week in what could be two undefeated teams playing for the league title, they better not sleep on South Hills, who scores on everyone.
6. Damien (6-2) — The Spartans are probably still kicking themselves after feeling they gave one away to Chino Hills. They better get over it quick because Charter Oak is sitting at home ready to deliver another dagger on Friday. It’s been a solid year for the Spartans, but I’m sure Gano and the boys would love to top it off with a signature win, something Gano’s still searching for since arriving at Damien.
7. San Dimas (6-2) – The Mid-Valley pollsters jumped the Saints a few spots to No. 4, moving them past No. 5 Monrovia, who was mysteriously ranked ahead of San Dimas last week, even though the Saints beat them at their place, and has a better record. The Saints still have work left to keep the No. 4 ranking. I’m not so sure they beat Pomona in week 10, and in fact, I may go with the Red Devils in that one.
8. Arroyo (7-1) – Quarterback Steven Rivera continues adding to his legacy with another great fourth quarter in the Knights’ 28-21 win over Rosemead. Here’s what’s concerning though: If this is a Mid-Valley contender, don’t they need to win in more convincing fashion? The Knights have had a few close calls, it’s that time of the year where I would like them to step on the gas.
9. La Puente (8-0) -- If I used the Maxpreps computer rankings, La Puente would be ranked 18th in the area, despite being the only undefeated team. But this is where Aram’s, “how you fare in your own world,” kicks in. Hey, when you’re unbeaten you’re unbeaten. But let’s see how the Boise State Warriors do in the last two weeks against Duarte and Azusa, their toughest two opponents in the Montview.
10. Bonita (4-4) – I don’t know if they deserve the No. 10 ranking, but they feel like a top ten team. They’ve beaten Los Altos and Walnut back-to-back and with a win over Diamond Bar, will probably make the playoffs.
The rest: 11. South Hills (3-5); 12. Los Altos (6-3), 13. Pomona (5-3), 14. El Monte (6-2), 14. South El Monte (6-2), 15. Duarte (6-1), 16. Diamond Ranch (4-4), 17. Glendora (3-5), 18. Claremont (4-4), 19. Ayala (3-5), 20. Diamond Bar (4-4), 21. Azusa (4-3), 22. Rosemead (4-4), 23. Walnut (2-7), 24. Nogales (4-5), 25. Rowland (2-6), 26. Northview (2-6), 27. Sierra Vista (4-4), 28. Baldwin Park (2-6), 29. Mountain View (3-5), 30. Gladstone (2-6), 31. Mountain View (3-5), 32. Workman (3-5), 33. Ganesha (1-7), 34. Bassett (1-7), 35. Wilson (0-8).