Big Tony Solorzano
“What? Over? Did you say, over? Nothing is over until we decide it is. … It ain’t over now. ’Cause when the going gets tough… the tough get going. Who’s with me?”
– John “Bluto” Blutarsky
Yeah, it’s not over, not by a long shot. But last week, a lot of races came into major focus. Down in the Suburban, Evan Hunko and the Monsoons were swamped by Shane Blood and the Matadores, who now have the top spot in league. In the Del Rio, Pioneer was the latest victim of La Serna’s seemingly unstoppable roll to one of the top seeds in the playoffs.
WEEK 9
Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010
Pioneer at Cal (Del Rio League)
MATCHUP: Last week saw the Titans suffer their worst loss in recent history at the hands of La Serna, while the Condors extended their winning streak to two games with an upset win over El Rancho. This game means more to Pioneer than Cal, who could lose and still be in a position to make the playoffs. A Titan loss could spell the end for their playoff hopes.
Prediction: Pioneer 24, Cal 21
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Friday, Nov. 5, 2010
La Serna vs. Whittier (at Whittier District Field, Whittier, CA, Del Rio League)
MATCHUP: Coming off of one of the most lopsided victories in Del Rio History, Lancer Head Coach Margarito Beltran gets the autumn equivalent of a passing-league game against Whittier. Despite coming close to pulling off a major upset over Santa Fe last week, the Cardinals were unable to close the deal as the Chiefs roared back in the fourth quarter. It’s only two more weeks before the season mercifully ends for the Cardinals.
Prediction: La Serna 49, Cardinals 7
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El Rancho vs. Santa Fe (at Pioneer High School, Whittier, CA, Del Rio League)
MATCHUP: As mentioned earlier, Santa Fe had to come back against Whittier last week with a fourth quarter explosion, while the Dons suffered a shocking upset to Cal at home. Like the game between Cal and Pioneer, the Ranch needs the win more than the Chiefs do. A Chiefs’ win solidifies a playoff berth, while a Dons’ win could force another coin flip decision, something that cost them dearly last season.
Prediction: El Rancho 31, Santa Fe 28
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Artesia vs. Mayfair (at Bellflower High, Bellflower, CA, Suburban League)
MATCHUP: When you lose an important game like Mayfair did last week, the most important thing is to get back to work and win again. So, to close out their regular season schedule, the Monsoons get to tune up for the playoff run by taking on the worst team in the league, the 0-8 Pioneers. This is going to be a good two weeks for Evan Hunko to prepare.
Prediction: Mayfair 63, Artesia 13
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Bellflower vs. Cerritos (at Gahr High, Cerritos, CA, Suburban League)
MATCHUP: The Buccaneers have had two weeks to work through the 35-0 shutout at the hands of Mayfair. Cerritos was also dealt a shutout in their last game, 36-0 to Norwalk. Ironically enough, Cerritos could put themselves into a tie for fourth with Bellflower if they manage the upset. What’s worse, Bellflower closes out the regular season against La Mirada while the Dons have Glenn next week.
Prediction: Bellflower 38, Cerritos 17
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Norwalk at La Mirada (Suburban League)
MATCHUP: The Matadores took down the Monsoons in a major upset and now have two big games against the other playoff contenders. First up is the Lancers, who have outscored their last three opponents 134-21. Shane Blood and the offense need all cylinders firing to not only outscore a tough Lancer team, but also overcome a very stingy defense.
Prediction: Norwalk 31, La Mirada 30
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BYE WEEK: John Glenn
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BONUS COVERAGE:
Garfield vs. Roosevelt (At Weingardt Stadium, East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, CA)
MATCHUP: When the Eastern League kicked off at the start of October, most predicted that the Bulldogs were going to have a long season, especially after a winless non-league schedule with losses to Bishop Amat, Orange Lutheran, Los Osos and St. Paul. Roosevelt, on the other hand, had a great non-league season, their only loss coming to Franklin in week three. Alhambra and Whittier were amongst their victims. But as the saying goes, looks are deceiving. The Bulldogs are undefeated in league, including an upset of pre-season favorite Jordan, while the Rough Riders have dropped their last two games, including a 21-20 loss to Bell. But the most surprising thing about Garfield’s run is that they have a freshman at quarterback, Nicky Peralta. Peralta, since coming in during the loss against St. Paul, has thrown for 363 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaged 72 yards per game and has only thrown four interceptions in his five games of work, two against St. Paul and two against Huntington Park.
Prediction: Garfield 35, Roosevelt 17
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