Aram Tolegian and I will go head-to-head picking football games throughout the season. He edged me out the past two seasons, but it’s not happening this year, not when we’re playing for a Slater’s 50-50 burger.
Aram Tolegian (14-3, last week); (126-52, season total)
Fred Robledo (14-4, last week); (128-50, season total)
Last Week: No blood between Aram I. We missed the same three games, taking Amat over Alemany, Bonita over West Covina and Glendora over Etiwanda. Aram also lost taking South El Monte over Gabrielino, then reminded me on Friday night after the game had been played that I forgot to make a selection on it. He could have told me before, but that’s how the betting mind of Tolegian works, he’ll steal wins any way possible. In any case, I told him I’d take the loss on it so I’m still up 2 headed into week 9.
This week’s games and predictions Best chance Amat has of getting in the playoffs are with wins over Crespi, Loyola, which would be good enough for at least a tie for third assuming Alemany and Notre Dame finish first and second. Then you still have to earn an at-large, a tough place to be in. A loss this week would eliminate the Lancers from playoff contention, but I’m not ready to write them off yet, take Amat over Crespi and the Guru. Los Altos at Bonita is a toss-up with playoff implications for both and others trying to sneak in, such as idle Diamond Bar, paying the price for last week’s brawl with a forfeit to Rowland. Los Altos has been the most consistent and needs to show an ability to win big games, which is why I’m taking them. It’s time. The Bassett story is an exciting one. Here’s a team that started 0-3 and you’re thinking, typical Bassett season. But they’ve run the table in the Montview and are 5-0 heading into a showdown vs. Duarte. If Bassett wins, it likely faces Azusa next week for an all-out, winner take all for the Montview. I’m not betting against that, take Bassett.
Thursday’s games
Baseline League
Glendora vs. Los Osos at Citrus College, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Los Osos); Aram (Glendora)
Friday’s games
Hacienda League
Los Altos at Bonita, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Los Altos); Aram (LA)
Walnut at Diamond Ranch, 7 p.m. — Robledo (DRanch); Aram (DR)
Diamond Bar at Rowland#, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Rowland); Aram ()
Mission Valley League
El Monte at Mountain View, 7 p.m. — Robledo (MView); Aram (MV)
Rosemead at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Rosemead); Aram (Paramomead)
South El Monte at Arroyo, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Arroyo); Aram (Arroyo)
Montview League
Azusa at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Azusa); Aram (Azusa)
Duarte at Bassett, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Bassett); Aram (Duarte)
Ganesha vs. Gladstone at Citrus, 6 p.m. — Robledo (Gladstone); Aram (Ganesha)
Workman at La Puente, 7 p.m. — Robledo (La Puente); Aram (LP)
Serra League
Bishop Amat at Crespi, 7 p.m. — Robledo (BAmat); Aram (Amat)
Sierra League
Ayala at Charter Oak, 7 p.m. — Robledo (COak); Aram (CO)
Claremont at Chino Hills, 7 p.m. — Robledo (CHills); Aram (CH)
South Hills at Damien, 7 p.m. — Robledo (Damien): Aram (Damien)
Valle Vista League
Nogales at Pomona, 7 p.m. — Robledo (PTown); Aram (Pomona)
Northview at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m. — Robledo (NView); Aram (Nview)
San Dimas vs. Covina at CDF, 7 p.m. — Robledo (SDimas); Aram (SD)
#November fools
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