SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE’S SUPER 35 RANKINGS
1. Bishop Amat (2-0-1) — The take-on-all-area challengers campaign hits the road for the third straight week at Charter Oak, the new No. 2 in this weeks poll. Amat looked beatable against Chino Hills and settled for a tie. It looked beatable at La Mirada but pulled away in the fourth quarter. They’ve bent, but they haven’t broken.
2. Charter Oak (2-0) — RB Aaren Vaughns went nuts in the Chargers’ win at Los Alamitos. The Chargers need a similar output from someone against Amat to have a chance to pull out the biggest non-league victory in the school’s history. Best thing going at Charter Oak is they play great defense and when you do, you can hang with anyone, and believe me, they don’t fear Amat.
3. Chino Hills (1-1-1) — How can you drop them past No. 3 after tying Amat and losing by only 10 to power Tesoro. Over the years I’ve been questioned for ranking Amat high despite not getting results against high-caliber opponents. You have to give Chino Hills that same respect.
4. Ayala (3-0) – Arguably the area’s biggest surprise after going 3-7 last year. They’ve already beaten Monrovia and then beat a team in Arizona. It doesn’t get easier, undefeated Glendora and their huge offensive line and running game invade the Inland Empire next.
5. West Covina (1-2*) — What can you say, injuries have marred what was expected to be a great season. Fact is they’re actually 2-1 with its only loss to a Pac-5 team, but injuries to keep players are a deep concern, especially with Chino Hills visiting next.
6. Damien (1-1) — They drank their bottle of get tough and got a resounding win at Palm Desert. The Spartans need to keep it rolling, they’re a team that needs all the confidence it can muster.
7. San Dimas (3-0) — The Saints are averaging an astounding 47 points on offense entering this week’s huge game at home against back-to-back defending champion Monrovia. Are the Saints nervous? Why should they, they own a 3-2 series record over the ‘Cats dating back to 2009, when they beat Monrovia for the Mid-Valley title.
8. Los Altos (3-0) — With West Covina injured and bruised up, the Conquerors look more like the Hacienda league title favorites each week. They absolutely crushed rival Wilson and are building early-season momentum.
9. Glendora (2-0) — The Tartans are pounding their opponents into submission behind a big offensive line and sturdy backs, averaging nearly 250 yards on the ground. When you can run, you’re always in games.
10. South Hills (2-1) — After losing to West Covina, they have a week off to get ready for its showdown against Monrovia at Covina District on Sept. 20.
The Rest: 11. Diamond Ranch (2-1), 12. Rowland (3-0), 13. Gladstone (2-0), 14. El Monte (2-1), 15. Covina (2-1), 16. Azusa (1-1), 17. Mountain View (2-1), 18. Walnut (1-2), 19. La Puente (1-1), 20. Arroyo (1-2), 21. Claremont (1-2), 22. Diamond Bar (1-2), 23. Northview (1-2), 24. South El Monte (1-1), 25. Bonita (0-3), 26. Diamond Bar (1-2), 27. Rosemead (0-2), 28. Wilson (1-2), 29. Duarte (1-2), 30. Pomona (1-2), 31. Workman (1-2), 32. Wilson (1-2), 33. Nogales (0-3), 34. Bassett (1-2), 35. Ganesha (0-2).
*Covina forfeit win; West Covina forfeit loss
Check out our Maxpreps Made Easy Widget for Tribune Football Fans. If coaches are posting rosters, updating stats and standings, this is the most useful SGV widget there is. Check it out, makes following your teams and area leaders simple.
