A Closer Look at the Hacienda League

Pendleton has the Bearcats at the top. Photo by Anne Cypress.

A Closer Look at the……

The body work is their win/loss record and how it holds up against others in the league and Southeast Division. We will look at some of the standout players during the previous week or season. The Mid will also project where they may finish with the remainder of the schedule left.

HACIENDA LEAGUE

Bonita (7-0, 3-0) – Is there a chink in the armor for the Bearcats. Only real “hold your breath moment” was against Santa Fe in early in the season. Bonita is in the enviable position of having two very good starting quarterbacks in Greg Spathias and Garrett Pendleton.

BODY OF WORK: 24-27 overall record of opponents, 3-0 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: Claremont (Inland) 6-1, San Dimas (Mid-Valley) 5-3

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining:  10/29 @ West Covina, 11/05 vs Rowland, 11/11 vs Diamond Ranch (14-8 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Matt Gelalich – No denying Gelalich can flat out play. He had three interceptions against a very good quarterback in Brandon Roach.

Projection: First

Diamond Ranch (4-3, 3-0) – We have seen this script from the Panthers for the last three years. This one though won’t have Charter Oak in the middle of it or final scene.

BODY OF WORK: 29-29 overall record of opponents, 2-3against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: Damien (Inland) 4-3

Games Remaining:  10/29 @ Los Altos, 11/05 vs. West Covina, 11/12 @ Bonita (13-8 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Andrew Fischer – They didn’t play last week, but I am sure that Roddy Layton slept a little better knowing that if Chase Price can’t go against Los Altos he has another option.

Projection: Second

West Covina (6-1, 3-0) – Bulldogs will try and grind out a win every time they step out on the field. Chris Solomon is the feature back and can explode on any carry. George Johnson makes good decisions and leads the team on both sides of the ball.

BODY OF WORK: 18-28 overall record of opponents, 2-1 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: Glendora (Inland) 4-3

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining:  10/29 vs. Bonita, 11/05 @ Diamond Ranch 11/12 vs. Diamond Bar (16-6 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: B.J. Lee – With a stable of running backs, Lee came out flying with 126 yards and two touchdowns.

Projection: Third

Walnut (3-4, 1-3) – With all eyes on Aubrey Coleman, it allows a guy like Jason Tsukada to go under the radar. Guy can flat out play. Good defensive back, good receiver, but more importantly can change the fight for field possession with his special teams play.

BODY OF WORK: 36-15 overall record of opponents, 2-4 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: Covina (Mid-Valley Division) 7-1

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining:  10/29 vs. Rowland, 11/05 vs. Northview, 11/12 @ Los Altos (6-16 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Jason Tsukada – He had an interception against Garrett Pendleton that many defensive players would not have made going one on one against a receiver.

Projection: Four

Diamond Bar (5-3, 1-3) – How big was that win against Rowland on Friday? In terms of playoff implications it is huge. If the Brahmas and Raiders finished tied for fourth they hold head-to-head tiebreaker.

BODY OF WORK: 23-32 overall record of opponents, 2-2 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining:  10/29 BYE, 11/05 vs. Los Altos, 11/12 @ West Covina (6-8 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Henry Omana – The junior quarterback literally put the Brahmas on his back and lead them to unbelievable comeback that saved the Diamond Bar season.

Projection: Fifth

Rowland (4-4, 1-1) – There is no way that Coach Craig Snyder and quarterback Michael Ball allow themselves to be in a position of watching the playoffs from the sidelines. Face a must-win scenario this week against Walnut.

BODY OF WORK: 28-29 overall record of opponents, 0-4 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: Diamond Bar (Southeast Division) 5-3

Games Remaining:  10/29 @ Walnut, 11/05 @ Bonita, 11/11 BYE (10-4 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Louis Valdez – This linebacker has a nose for the ball. He is averaging 11 tackles a game and Rowland will need him this week against Walnut.

Projection: Sixth

Los Altos (0-7, 0-3) – We knew it would be a long year for the Conquerors but it has been awful. Los Altos needs to win the little battles the rest of the season to have some positivity going into the off season.

BODY OF WORK: 35-16 overall record of opponents, 0-7 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining:  10/29 vs. Diamond Ranch, 11/05 @ Diamond Bar, 11/12 vs. Walnut (12-11 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Shane Virnala – The quarterback threw for 158 yards in the loss against West Covina.

Projection: Seventh

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