All the area teams have at least one game under their belts now, and
Friday night’s results provided some genuine surprises.
Not necessarily who won and who lost, but the manner by which the
outcomes occurred.
Warren 31, Santa Fe 7
The Chiefs fell behind early and couldn’t recover, although sophomore
quarterback Alex Flores was impressive providing a late spark in driving
them to their touchdown. Other than that, at least two interested
observers commented Santa Fe appeared disorganized, and that’s not the
normal mark of a Chiefs team, even if it is their first game of the
season.
Fullerton 13, La Mirada 0
Tough to compete without an offense or a defense. La Mirada showed
little semblance of either, although the close score might indicate
otherwise. Fullerton had little trouble running inside or outside
despite getting no help from the its limited passing (five attempts),
which produced just 31yards.
La Serna 51, John Glenn 7
Transfer Rudy Jordan picked up right where he left off last season’s
trip with Schurr to the CIF Southeast Division championship, rushing for
181 yards and four touchdowns. QB Mike Ibarra’s 6-for-9 for 60 yards
passing (no interceptions) was efficient if not spectacular in
complementing Jordan’s and a stingy Lancer defense.
Pioneer 21, Ontario 7
Pioneer pushed its record to 2-0 with another complete game effort.
Trailing 7-6 at halftime, the Titans adjusted behind another heady
effort by QB Ronnie Palacios and another impressive defensive
performance.
El Rancho 17, Cerritos 6
It’s too early for cries of “break up the Dons,’ but it might be time to
start practicing. El Rancho’s opportunistic defense came up with key
turnovers and a clutch stop late in the red zone, and QB Javier
Hernandez passed for two touchdowns. Most important, the Dons are in the
win column, ending a 13-game losing streak.
La Habra 44, Downey 21
It took an unimpressive scrimmage the week before and a sluggish first
quarter Friday night for the Highlanders’ to shake the cobwebs of an
offseason. The defense returned an interception and a fumble recovery
for TDs, QB Chris Morales threw for two and RB Jason rushed for another
among his 130 yards on just 13 carries.
California 19, Rowland 6
Getting the first win is always important for a new coach, and in this
case, for the players and community which hated to see the former coach
leave. The efficiency with which the Condors played provides reason for
increased optimism for lies ahead.
Schurr 27, Burbank Burroughs 7
The Spartans’ victory should lay to rest the thoughts of those who
figured the defending CIF Southeast Division champions’ cupboard is bare
of replacement parts. The defense recorded two sacks, two interceptions,
blocked a punt and did not allow the Indians inside the Schurr 35-yard
line until midway through the fourth quarter.
Whittier 41, Bell Gardens 34 (2OT)
It took Cardinals a bit longer, but their tenacity makes their victory
all the more impressive. You can’t coach staying power, it has to come
from within.
Whittier Christian 48, Mammoth 7
Aleks Schwerdt rushed for 178 yards on just 12 carries and scored four
touchdowns, two of them on receptions, to make the visitors’ seven-hour
trip home seem a lot longer. The Heralds’ offense produced 266 yards by
halftime, which might make lingering memories of last season’s potent
production machine a bit more distant.
Thursday’s games
Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary 65, Daniel Murphy 0
Not much can be said about a score like this. Second half was played with
running time. The implication is more on the lack of strength of the loser rather
than the strength of the winner. A great start by the Heralds, who obviously
can take advantage of available opportunities.
Northview 40, Montebello 14
Clearly a case of the youthful Oilers not being ready and needing more time.
The season is not lost, only the game.
Keeping in mind the season has only begun, and evidence for evaluations
might be skimpy, comments on the teams’ accomplishments, or the lack
thereof, are encouraged from those who feel compelled to share.
