Semi Final Shots

Mason Bryant's run for a first down off of a fake punt was huge against Covina

There are lot of similarities between the 2003 San Gabriel playoff run and the 2011 playoff run. There are some differences too. The 2003 team finished third in the Almont while the 2011 team won the league title.

The ’03 team had an overall record of 11-2 heading into the CIF Final against South Hills with both of their losses coming in league. The ’11 team went undefeated in the Almont but 1-4 in non league

It’s still hard to believe that the Mats lost to 2-8 Baldwin Park 26-22 and 5-5 Rosemead 31-21. We’ll forgive the loss to Muir…and of course they more than made up for the loss to San Dimas.

Going for two when you’re up by eight in the third quarter might be questionable and going for two with a little over two minutes left in the game and down one might be gutsy. But if the Saints convert the extra point that would have made the score 17-7 in the second quarter all of the rest of that stuff doesn’t even come into play.

Covina’s loss to Monrovia Friday night did nothing to dispel the notion that the Colts are still the second best team in the Mid-Valley.

Alhambra DC Jacob Ochoa and Maranatha HC Pete Karavedas both said they don’t feel quite as bad now that San Gabriel has advanced to the Finals. SG shutout Maranatha 9-0 in the first round and routed Alhambra 69-14 on November 4.  

Former Moor OC Manny Ruedalfores was on the sideline of the SG-San Dimas game checking out some potential recruits. Ruedaflores is now on staff at Pasadena City College.

Former Bassett HC Leon Ward was also at the game. Isn’t he at every game?

San Dimas Coach Bill Zernickow wasn’t exactly thrilled with the officiating in the Semi Final game. “What was it 10-2 for them at halftime? I guess we have to do a better job of coaching our players to play within the rules,” he said.

The officials have a tough job but is it really necessary to carry on a running conversation with the coaches like the side judge did with a Covina assistant Friday night? “You can’t talk to me. You haven’t graduated to Head Coach Status yet,” he told the coach. Talk about baiting the guy.  

The Mid-Valley Division Final is Saturday night at Monrovia High. The Southeast Division Final is Friday night at a site to be determined.

Defending champs West Covina and Monrovia were expected to be in this position since August. Some didn’t think San Gabriel and La Serna would make the playoffs.

What would be a bigger upset – San Gabriel beating Monrovia or La Serna knocking off West Covina?

Yeah I picked Covina. And seemingly everybody on the Monrovia sideline made sure I heard about it.

Mason Bryant’s run for a first down off of fake punt against Covina was huge.

Former Alhambra Coach Gil Ruedaflores used to say “You just gotta make plays!” Andy Guerrero and Alex “Crispy” Villalobos just make plays.

Chris Solomon rushed for 306 yards and five touchdowns against La Mirada. And he‘s only one of about six talented backs for the Bulldogs.

Jimmy Frazier also scored twice for the Bulldogs including a 57 yard TD sprint.   

No I didn’t hear Andy Villthedevil say “The game was closer than the score indicated,” about West Covina’s 63-34 win.

The Rosemead-Paraclete Final in 2008 was colder but other than that I can’t think of a colder one than SG-San Dimas.

Hunter Garcia, yes Garcia, was the guy that stood up Devante Brown at the goal line on the final two point attempt.

La Serna’s defense was huge in a 28-3 win over explosive Muir. The Lancers have an even bigger test against West Covina.

Anybody have any hand warmers?

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