By Aram Tolegian
It was around this time last year that the Los Altos High School football team handed Charter Oak its worst loss of the season.
Very few people saw it coming. Sure, the Conquerors were huge up front and had a formidable running back to take advantage of it. But 29-7?
“They were a very good football team, just look at where they went,” Charter Oak head coach Lou Farrar said of Los Altos, which ultimately wound up playing in the Central Division championship game. “That just tells you how good they were. They had some outstanding kids up front and a very good running back. That’s the kind of football team they were last year and we weren’t. We’re still not.
“Our league right now, they’re all physical teams. There’s a big emphasis on power football.”
Charter Oak is once again a prohibitive favorite to beat its longtime rival. The Chargers are 6-1 overall and 2-0 in the Hacienda League. They’re also ranked No. 1 in the Central Division. Los Altos is 4-3 overall and 1-1 in league. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Los Altos High.
The Conquerors still have considerable size up front, but it’s not was cohesive as it was last year. Running back Tyler Nevens is also still around and capable of taking over games. Charter Oak’s defense has gotten downright stingy, though, during its five-game win streak. The Chargers are allowing just 11 points per game.
Charter Oak has spanked Chino and Diamond Ranch to start league play. Conversely, Chino just beat Los Altos in overtime last week.
“A lot of the kids that are doing well right now were juniors last year at this time,” Farrar said. “Now that they’re seniors, they’ve learned from previous outings and they know what they have to do. There’s no substitute for experience.”
The game has special meaning for Los Altos, which will honor former player George Steward, who passed away on Sunday in a car accident in Hacienda Heights. Steward played on last year’s team and was currently on the team at Mt. San Antonio College.

ARROYO AND ROSEMEAD FOR MVL TITLE?
It’s looking like the Mission Valley League championship will come down to, who else, Arroyo (6-2, 4-0) and Rosemead (3-4, 3-0).
The Knights are Panthers are scheduled to play at Rosemead High in Week 10. Given the way the league standings are trending, that game will be for the league championship. But the good news is that the loser will likely have a playoff spot locked up.
El Monte’s loss to South El Monte has opened the door for Arroyo and Rosemead to pull away from the pack, assuming Rosemead can beat the Lions on Friday. Rosemead is the defending league champion.
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