Tim Peterson
It’s been a memorable week in sports – especially here in Southern California. And no I’m not talking about the Dodgers signing of Aaron Harang. There was the CIF Finals in the Mid-Valley and Southeast Divisions, big news out of Anaheim, and Los Angeles and there is a new chief in Westwood.
At USC the quarterback got left out but the Trojans finished strong.
The Dodgers did get some headlines when it was announced that a certain big name in town is interested in ownership.
CIF Finals
It’s never easy to go back to back in anything. Whether it is the junior high school spelling bee or the NFL repeating as a champion is one of the hardest things to do. But that’s exactly what West Covina in the Southeast and Monrovia in the Mid-Valley did this weekend.
And although it’s not an easy task, both teams made it look like a walk in the park. Monrovia and West Covina rolled over their four playoff league opponents and were never really threatened. West Covina put up 84 points in the Final game and led by 42 at halftime. Monrovia was tied at the half in its championship game but ultimately won by 39 points.
Back in August we thought that both teams were favorites to win it all in their respective divisions but a lot of times teams don’t live up to their expectations. The Bulldogs and Wildcats did.
Angels Descend
Whether he was tired of coming in second when it came to signing free agents or his frustration of missing the playoffs the last two years, Arte Moreno made a huge splash. He literally shifted the balance of power in the American League when he signed not only the best hitter in baseball in Albert Pujols, but also one of the premier left handed pitchers in the game in C.J. Wilson. Moreno spent over 330 million on the two players with 254 million going to Pujols over 10 years.
Moreno bought the team for 180 million in 2003. It’s a lot of lettuce but considering the talent acquired, it’s dough well spent. And it shows Moreno is serious about winning.
Odom Out
The Lakers dealt Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol for Chris Paul only to have Commissioner David Stern veto the deal. Reportedly the three team deal was submitted again with variations but never happened. Then an upset Odom was dealt to Dallas Sunday for a protected first round draft pick and an 8.9 million dollar exception. What is going on? Will it all work out? Yes if the Lakers land Dwight Howard. If not it could end badly.
Mora of the Same?
UCLA finally hired a new football coach in Jim Mora Jr. With his NFL experience and winning personality some are comparing him to Pete Carroll. UCLA fans are hoping so but the fact that it was AD Dan Guerrero’s fourth choice makes you wonder if he didn’t just settle rather than dragging the search out longer.
Fight On
Matt Barkley wasn’t invited to the Heisman Trophy presentation but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the Trojans are one of the favorites to win the BCS (BS?) championship next year. They finished the season ranked fifth in AP poll and whether Barkley returns or not, SC will be ready to go.
Magic Moments
Magic Johnson announced he was putting together a group that is interested in buying the Dodgers. Magic is as beloved a figure as there is in LA and he has proven that he has the capital to spend on the team. If he does half as much for the Dodgers as he did for the Lakers it will be great for the Boys in Blue.
*Note to Fred Roggin: Monrovia’s Marquise Bias had a great night in the win over San Gabriel. But he had three touchdowns not four.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com
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