Jon Dimalante Looking to get back in Playoffs
By Tim Peterson
(Dead Zone) – Good interview Tuesday night with former Arcadia and current UCLA linebacker Todd Golper- great player and an even better kid. Golper is the only player we know that calls our tech guy/ photographer/staff writer Duane Barker Mr. Barker.
Barker asked Golper the question we’ve all wanted to ask. “So Todd how many times did you puke during summer workouts?” After a good laugh Golper said he actually is in the best shape he’s ever been in but did admit he ralphed a couple of times.
Among other things Golper told us that Mike Harris, former Duarte Falcon, is looking lean and mean and ready to start on the o-line for the Bruins. Former Walnut standout Sean Sheller is also competing for a job along the front line after missing all of last year with an injury.
CO is loaded
As for Golper himself, he is competing for a spot on the roster among at least 12 other linebackers in camp. He did say however that veterans like Reggie Carter, a senior, have made the transition from high school to college a lot easier by taking him under his wing.
Despite being cross town rivals former Temple City and USC star Desmond Reed has worked out on occasion with Golper and advised him about what its like to play on the D-1 level.
Golper’s knee, injured on November 4, is about 90 percent back to being completely healthy. But it should be 100 percent by the time the season is underway.
“A lot of it is mental,” Golper said.
Last year was a rarity for Arcadia. The Apaches had only 28 players on the roster and missed the playoffs. This year, although it’s early, Jon Dimalante’s Apaches appear to once again be the Apaches. Garrett Tuck is back as the starting quarterback and that alone makes them that much better. Apaches to keep an eye on- running back Ronnie Arnett and wide receiver Taylor Legace.
Legace’s brother Brent played basketball at Arcadia a couple of years ago. Taylor plays hoops too but with great hands, speed and athletic ability he has the chance of being a better football player.
“He could possibly be a D-1 prospect,” Golper added.
The Apaches will be tested right away with Monrovia, St. Francis and Temple City right out of the gate.
Speaking of the Temple City- Arcadia contest, our staffers researched it, discussed it and ultimately decided that yes, we are the ones that dubbed it “The Brawl for the Mall.”
Temple City may have a solid running back in “Mad” Max Ruckle, (yeah we came up with that one too), and nice group of returning linemen in Collin Smith, Matt O’Malley and Derek Lumary but the Rams still haven’t settled on a quarterback.
“We have a big surprise for Mid Valley Sports,” said Temple City assistant Zeke Prado.
South Hills looks good in San Antone
Jacob Shirley, who transferred in from West Covina and sat out least year may or may not start at quarterback for South Hills this year. But the Huskies success won’t depend on the quarterback position. It will primarily depend on the likes of Jordan Canada, a Duarte transfer, Miles Bevel, Geoffrey Vaughns and Ify Umodu.
How good will Ronnie Tennell be this year for Northview? Well he should be a beast but it apparently won’t be at Northview. Unconfirmed reports have him transferring to South Hills as well. Key word – unconfirmed…
I’m getting a text messages and e mails telling me to look out for Almont running backs Arthur Brown and Vai Peko who play for San Gabriel and Alhambra respectively. I’m hearing they both should have break out years.
We still don’t know what’s up with Schurr but we do know that former Alhambra assistant Philip Jimenez is now on the Spartans staff. Hey coach give us a jingle.
Max Ruckle and TC - Who's the QB?
The Charter Oak quarterback battle rages on with Travis Santiago, Josiah Thropay and Kyle Brown all in the mix. Stay tuned…
“Panther Pride” asked Andy Villanueva how many yards Joey Diaz would run for this year at Rosemead in a post on his “Off the Cuff” column. Villanueva responded 1400 to 1500. I think it will be substantially less only because he will be sharing the ball with Matthew Fregoso who could be the featured back.
Nick Bueno, Josh Lowden and Grant Haggard are a trio to be reckoned with in M-Town.
We all know about Joe Forgatch and Stevie Yortsos in San Marino but Titan insiders are telling me that Benny Hung and Trent Converse will be key players in the equation.
Football rush week is coming…
Tim can be reached at tspeterson32@yahoo.com.
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