Tim Peterson
Yes Sir
All the focus this week in the Valle Vista League was on Covina and San Dimas but did anybody notice Pomona’s Sir Darius Yabrough? He had an 80 yard run for a touchdown and a 70 yard TD scamper in a rout of Nogales. With another 200 yard performance he has accumulated over 750 yards in his last three games, including a 389 yard explosion last week in a win over Baldwin Park.
Yabrough also racked up over 200 yards against Bloomington and Chino earlier in the year and 187 in the opener vs. Garey. On the year he has nearly 1500 yards and 14 touchdowns. An expected win over Wilson next week will set up the Red Devils with a showdown in Week Ten at home against San Dimas. A win would give Pomona second place and possibly a good draw in the playoffs.
Cox and Company
I got a chance to see the Brandon Cox Show Friday night in Pasadena. And he didn’t disappoint. He threw for 255 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another in a 27-21 win over Burbank. But the Bulldogs have much more than just Cox. They also have Marcus Green (9 catches, 186 yards, 2 TD) and Riian Simpson (6 catches, 50 yards). Green caught two passes from Cox on slant patterns over the middle and immediately turned them into touchdowns. He’s a threat to score every time he gets the ball. Simpson, another lightning quick wide out, is the brother of former Pasadena quarterback Aaron Simpson. The Bulldogs (4-3, 3-1 in league) still have Arcadia and Muir left on the schedule. Muir however has struggled at times this year and with the coaching situation in flux with Ken Howard’s suspension, it gives Pasadena a good chance to finally snap the Turkey Tussle losing streak at the Rose Bowl on November 10.
Covina Draws the Line
We know about the offensive explosiveness of Billy Livingston, Vinny Venegas and Gevontray Ainsworth, but the Colts defensive line has played a big part in the success as well. San Dimas, who has been running roughshod over opponents for the last five games, was held in check by Covina in a 39-21 win. That same defensive front held the aforementioned Yabrough to just 71 yards three weeks ago. Nick Hynes, Phil Romano, Cesar Murillo, David Ramirez and Chris Flores, to name a few, have been a headache for opponent’s defensive coordinators.
Moors Find Their Thrill on the Hill
A quick look at the records would suggest that Alhambra’s win over Schurr last Thursday night wasn’t that big of a deal. That basically the Moors just did what they were supposed to do. But anytime you can beat the defending Almont League champs at their place it’s big. With the victory Alhambra improved to 2-0 in league and remains right in the mix, if not the favorite to win the title.
“It’s a huge win for us,” said Moor DC Jacob Ochoa. “It’s been a long time since we won up the hill.”
As for Schurr, the biggest problem lies along the offensive line. Rudy Madrid replaced Edgar Jimenez earlier in the season at quarterback but he hasn’t had any time to throw. Against Alhambra, he was being tackled seemingly as soon as he received the snap. With no protection it doesn’t matter if it’s Jimenez, Madrid, Aaron Cantu or Aaron Rodgers behind center, they will be ineffective.
Former Huskies Reunite
Former South Hills’ players Ify Umodu and Jordan Canada met on the field Saturday when Northern Arizona squared off against Montana. Canada scored on a 46 yard run with 4:26 left in the game to give Montana a 28-24 win over Umodu’s Northern Arizona squad. Canada led the Grizzles with 98 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Umodu caught three passes for 53 yards.
“Jordan’s mom and Ify’s mom we’re going to fly to Montana together to watch the game. They were very excited,” said South Hills Coach Steve Bogan. “The two of them going against each other. That’s great!”
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com
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