By Tim Peterson
Mission Valley League: Rosemead was King last year but lost a lot to graduation. Arroyo has some big numbers with and some big talent returning. El Monte got over the hump last year and is looking for a return to post season. South El Monte will be the Lions biggest threat for third. The Bottom of the division is up for grabs.
Projected order of finish:
Arroyo:
Coach Jim Singiser
Last Year: 3-8, Third in MVL
This year’s Arroyo is looking like last year’s Rosemead. The Knights have nearly everybody back, especially at the skill positions. Quarterback Steven Rivera took over as a freshman after starter Austin McFarland got hurt in the first game. Arroyo has had a couple of three year starters at quarterback but Rivera could be the first four year starter.
Rivera will have plenty of targets to throw to. Chris Rodriguez is on one side and Anthony Miller is on the other. Jeff Salazar is a nice weapon to have at tight end.
Defensively, the Knights should have enough to hold down opponents. Junior linebacker Mike Vasquez leads the attack and will get help up front from Javier Lozano and Matt Mandujano.
If the Knights can avoid significant injury, they should unseat the Panthers as MVL champs.
Rosemead:
Coach Matt Koffler
Last Year: 11-3, MVL Champs
While everyone is honking for Arroyo, Rosemead is sitting back, smiling and saying “we’ll see.”
The Panthers lost three year starter Angel Alejandre at quarterback but are counting on junior Matt Macias to replace him. Tra Sumler is also gone but Joey Diaz and Matt Fregoso should step up to carry the rock. Luis Diaz, an offensive weapon at tight end the last two years is back as well to spark the offense.
Conrado Simpson, who stands 6’4” and weighs about 210 pounds, will be a force both offensively and defensively. “They (opponents) haven’t seen anything like him,” said Rosemead Coach Matt Koffler.
With a first year quarterback the Panthers might not be able to throw as much as they did in the past but for Koffler that usually isn’t a problem.
“We’ll just line up double tights and pound them,” Koffler said.
El Monte
Coach Joel Sanchez
Last Year: 5-6, 2nd in MVL
Offensively it all starts with the guy lining up behind center and for the Lions that guy is coming back. Senior Quang Phong, who is effective running or throwing the ball, returns as signal caller.
Wide receiver Eddie Landeros and running back Adrian Ramirez will also play important roles in the Lions’ attack. Coach Joel Sanchez is counting on them to be his playmakers.
El Monte should be solid defensively returning six starters. Conner Salazar, Carlos Gonzalez, and Jusitn Viecas form a solid linebacking corp.
Can the Lions win league? Probably not, but after turning a corner with a playoff berth last year; they will be hungry for a spot again.
South El Monte:
Coach Ray Hernandez
Last Year: 5-5, 4th in MVL
The Eagles biggest change is at the top where former La Puente Coach Ray Hernandez has taken over for the departed Erick Escamilla. Well that and the graduation of Manny Acosta, Jose Garay, Lupe Pena, Robert Cedeno and others… needless to say Hernandez has his work cut out.
Mark Acosta, no relation to Manny, is slated to be the starting quarterback and Ruben Asevedo should get significant time at running back. Ray Natividad, a sophomore, should be on the receiving end of Acosta’s tosses.
Despite suffering severe losses in the senior class, South El Monte, regardless of the year always competes. Don’t expect anything less this year.
The Eagles missed the playoffs last year after winning two consecutive MVL titles with Acosta, Garay and company so a playoff spot this year might be a little too much to ask. But don’t doubt the South will be fighting for third.
Gabrielino:
Coach Harold Sanin
Last Year: 4-6, 5th in MVL
Gabrielino, like South El Monte, is also facing a year with a new coach. Long time assistant Harold Sanin has taken over for Vince Lopez, who resigned as coach after he was named Assistant Principal. Lopez was the only football coach in the history of the Eagles. He started the football program 15 years ago. Lopez will remain on Sanin’s staff as offensive line coach.
It’s been awhile since the Eagles have enjoyed a winning season. Their last was in 2004 as Rosemead, Arroyo and South El Monte have taken control of the MVL.
It might be awhile still before Sanin can lead Gabrielino into a playoff spot. A fifth place finish this year sounds about right. The Eagles will need a couple of years to get back on track.
Mountain View:
Coach James Wilson
Last Year: 2-8, 6th in MVL
Mountain View has had talent over the years. Think Leander Benjamin, Rashad Martin, George Munoz…but it’s the lack of depth that usually does them in. A break here and a bruise there can derail a season real quick.
Depth might be a factor again. Albert Duarte is a talented running back and returns to the fold and Jason Cordero appears to be a capable leader at quarterback stepping in for the graduated Munoz. But the Vikes only return three starters on offense and four on defense.
George Tamayo and Albert Leal will anchor the secondary along with Rogelio Zavala and Josh Spence up front.
With a break here and there the Vikings could manage a couple of league wins. But if the break is the type that requires a cast, it could be another long year for the View.
Rio Hondo League: Monrovia went undefeated in the Rio a year ago and there’s no reason why the Wildcats won’t repeat. There’s a new excitement in Temple City and renewed hope in San Marino after a successful run last year. La Canada has a new coach but might not have enough. South Pasadena and Blair need a miracle.
Projected order of finish:
Monrovia:
Coach Ryan Maddox
Last Year: 10-3, Rio Hondo Champs
Think Monrovia and you immediately think Nick Bueno. The quarterback who won the starting job last year returns to run the Wildcat offense. M-Town will rely even more on Bueno this year with the loss of such offensive weapons as Marquise Williams and Chris Carina.
Buenos threw for over 1000 yards last year and ran for a couple hundred more and will be relied on to do even more. Demean Ramirez should be a suitable replacement for Williams at running back.
Defensively the Cats are banking on Josh Lowden and Grant Haggard to lead the charge. With a solid defense and Bueno making things happen on offense, the Cats should have enough to win league.
Temple City:
Coach Anthony White
Last Year: 7-5-1, 2nd in Rio Hondo
Well we’ve been able to get several things out of first year Temple City Coach Anthony White during his appearances on the Mid Valley Sports Show. We know he has a stout offensive line with Matt O’Malley, Derek Lamary and Justin Sutton. Running behind that line will be returning back Max Ruckle who rushed for over 1000 yards last year.
He’s told us they have some talent defensively in first year varsity players Tim Sanderson and Carlos Mota. But we still haven’t gotten a definitive answer to this burning question. Who’s the quarterback?
After telling us we would find out at the Mid Valley Classic, White finally gave us a little hint. “Senior Justin Smith is looking really good,” White said.
Before White was hired in April, there seemed to be a cloud hanging over Temple City. In only four months on the job, White has brought back a renewed enthusiasm. Will it be enough to carry the team to a Rio Hondo title?
San Marino:
Coach D.R. Moreland
Last Year: 8-3, 3rd in Rio Hondo
San Marino surprised last year by winning its first eight games before falling to Temple City and Monrovia. This year the Titans might not be able to slide under the radar. They lost some talented players to graduation but also have several returning.
Joe Forgatch, who took over for the injured Steven Wright at quarterback last year, is back to run the show on offense. Stevie Yortsos will line up wide and in the back field to get as many touches as possible.
Benny Hung and Ben Harwich lead a steady defensive unit. Monrovia and Temple City are still the cream of the Rio Hondo crop but don’t be surprised to see San Marino biting at their heels.
La Canada:
Coach Dan Yoder
Last Year: 4-5-1, 4th in Rio Hondo
Rich Wheeler stepped down as coach opening the door for JV Coach Dan Yoder to take over. Yoder inherits some talent in quarterback Rocky Moore and receiver Chris Gilbert. But the Spartans might need more than that to get in the playoffs.
LC finished 2-2-1 in league last year and in fourth place in the Rio Hondo. Yoder might bring in a new enthusiasm and spirit to the La Canada program but it probably won’t be enough to get the Spartans over the hump.
South Pasadena:
Coach Ed Smith
Last Year: 2-8, 6th in Rio Hondo
There’s been a lot of talk lately about South Pasadena’s junior quarterback Conor Bednarski. And it’s true he did have a big year last year throwing for nearly 1500 yards. But the question is this – Do the Tigers have enough surrounding Bednarski to make a run at a post season position?
South Pas has a good corp of young receivers led by Armando Guevara and Sean Courtney and a capable running back in Matthew Chan and should be able to put some points on the board. But if the defense is unable to stop people it could be a long year.
The Tigers might get a league win or two with a break but a playoff spot is a little too much to ask…at least this year anyway.
Blair:
Coach Gary Parks
Last Year: 1-7, 5th in Rio Hondo
It’s been pretty much over at Blair since Tip Sanders left after the 2007 season. Or I should say it’s back to the way it was prior to Sanders arriving in ’06. Numbers are down, as is the football morale. Last year the Vikings played only eight games in what should have been a ten game schedule.
There doesn’t seem to be a victory in the non league schedule. Blair might be able to get one in the Rio. Last year they surprised South Pas. However a league win could be their only highlight of an otherwise long year.
Valle Vista: It’s probably the most wide open league in the Mid Valley. Northview and Coach Jim Arellanes feel they can repeat while San Dimas and Bill Zernickow say they’re going to be okay. Baldwin Park might be the sleeper but Covina isn’t going anywhere either. Daryl Thomas’ crew always competes. Pomona and Ganesha are looking to bite somebody.
Projected order of finish:
Baldwin Park:
Coach James Heggins
Last Year: 4-6, 5th in Valle Vista
You can call it going out on a limb or just a hunch or maybe even a shot in the dark. I don’t know maybe it’s just plain foolish. But I like Baldwin Park in the Valle Vista. The Braves have key players coming back, especially at the skill positions and after a taste of success a year ago are hungry for more.
Christian Lazaro is back at wide receiver and has been tearing it up all summer.
“He could be a Division 1 prospect,” said BP Coach James Heggins.
Manny Salcedo, who spelled Andy Salcido at times last year at quarterback, is back to assume the role full time. Steven To and Max Quintero could go both ways and will be relied on especially on defense. Wardell Crutchfield Jr. will also see playing time on the defensive side after transferring in from Duarte.
Key games for the Braves are at Northview in week eight and at home against San Dimas in the regular season finale.
Northview:
Coach Jim Arellanes
Last Year: 9-3, Valle Vista Champs
“We should be considered the team to beat. We should be the favorites,” Northview Coach Jim Arellanes said of the Valle Vista League.
Despite losing players like quarterback Oscar Robles, linebackers Andrew Rodriguez, Lionel Acosta and Christian Vargas, Arellanes has reason to be optimistic.
Kamaron Germany, who averaged over seven yards per carry last year while rushing for over 700 yards, is back to lead the attack. The offense will revolve around Germany but Arellanes can also rely on quarterback Martin Arredondo who is stepping in for Robles.
Defensively Randy Contreras, who Arellanes said has been a “beast” in the summer, will anchor the line and make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Justin Diaz joins Contreras up front.
If everything falls into place and the Vikes avoid injury, they should make a strong push for a third straight league crown.
San Dimas:
Coach Bill Zernickow
Last Year: 10-2, 2nd in Valle Vista
This isn’t the Saints of 2008. Gone is the thunder named Nico Barbone and the lightning named Daniel Joseph. But San Dimas might still have enough to compensate.
Kevin Kolbeck, who played some wide receiver last year, is expected to be the quarterback this year and is capable of making a big play. Jordan Taylor will see the bulk of time at running back and Clinton King, a rock up front, will go both ways on the offensive and defensive lines.
The Saints will be tested right away with Los Altos and South El Monte right out of the gate.
Covina Colts:
Coach Darryl Thomas
Last Year: 4-7, 3rd in Valle Vista
“The thing about us is we always compete. That’s what I’ve liked about what I’ve seen so far,” said Covina Coach Darryl Thomas.
The Colts will have to compete to fight their way into the top three and into a playoff spot. Covina has five returning defensive starters including linebacker Xavier Ramirez and lineman Donte Hughes. Three offensive starters are back in the fold.
Sebastian Duran, who played a big role for the Colts last year at running back, is slated to be the starting quarterback. Duran will have to make a successful transition for the Colts to be successful.
Covina has an area friendly non league schedule facing MVL contenders Rosemead and El Monte in the first two games, followed by Walnut and Rowland from the San Antonio and Wilson in the Miramonte.
Pomona:
Coach Donald Cayer
Last Year: 6-4, 4th in Valle Vista
Pomona made some strides in 2008 with six wins overall. The Red Devils are hoping to take that next step into the post season.
To do that they will need big years from running back Taj Teague, wide receiver Darrian Lewis and tight end DeRon Jefferson. Pomona returns ten starters overall, five on each side of the ball.
We’ll know how Pomona will fare in league right out of the Valle Vista League box. The Devils get Northview, Baldwin Park and San Dimas in their first three league games.
Ganesha:
Coach David Fleming
Last Year: 2-8, 6th in Valle Vista
Ganesha raised some eyebrows last year snapping a losing streak that had surpassed 50 games with a win over Gladstone in their second contest. The Giants then beat Bassett two weeks later. Everybody knew it would happen eventually and it did …twice.
Now Ganesha could use a couple of league victories. The Giants have Gladstone on the schedule again but the Gladiators are much improved. A win over Bassett might be all the Giants can hope for.
The field at Ganesha is one of the finest in the valley. Hopefully for the Giants, someday, they will have a team to match.
Montview League: Early returns have Gladstone in the driver’s seat. Gladstone? Yes G-stone. They have a big strong quarterback and several quality returning starters. It’s hard to count out Azusa because as always, you’re the king until somebody knocks you off. After that it gets a little dicey. Duarte is down and Sierra Vista is a mystery. La Puente has a new coach trying to put the pieces together and Bassett is well…Bassett. Workman is coming off of a .500 year. The Lobos could go either way.
Projected order of finish:
Azusa:
Coach Joe Scherf
Last Year: 10-2, Montview League Champs
The Aztecs had a dream season last year. They won their first playoff game since 1974 after winning the Montview League crown going 6-0. Although they might not expect that type of season, another league title could be in the offing.
John Chavez, who got some reps at quarterback last year when Adrian Gaeta was injured, will take over the position full time. Bryan Nieto will get the bulk of the carries at running back and Jesus Romero will be the main target for Chavez along with Abraham Ochoa.
Coach Joe Scherf now has the Aztecs believing they can win after suffering through years of futility and that might be the most important aspect. The Aztecs should be 3-0 in league heading into the Gladstone game October 22. A win there and they could run the Montview table again.
Gladstone:
Coach Albert Sanchez
Last Year: 2-8, 5th in Montview
The Gladiators are optimistic this year. A 6’4” quarterback can do that to you. Paul Flores has looked great all summer performing well in practices and passing leagues. Flores will be slinging it around the field usually in the direction of Jesse Rodriguez who is back for his senior season after a productive junior campaign.
If Flores can put up the yards and the points the offense should be fine. Defensively, the Gladiators will look to Michael Anderson and Daniel Rodriguez to make some stops. Second place and a post season spot should be in G-Stone’s future.
Sierra Vista:
Coach Keith Locklear
Last Year: 4-7, 3rd in Montview
Sierra Vista finished 4-2 last year in league which was good enough for a playoff spot. The Dons’ problem was they were 4-7 overall as they lost all of their non league games.
Quarterback Mark Perez will run the offense lining up behind center and when he’s not firing it downfield he will be handing the ball off Ramon Hernandez who will get the bulk of the carries.
The Dons need to improve defensively. Last year they were torched for 74 points by Lawndale and 55 by Duarte. If the defense can stop some people, the Dons could grab third in the Montview.
Workman:
Coach Fred DeLelio
Last Year: 5-5, 4th in Montview
Workman turned some heads last year going .500 in league and earning a spot in the post season. The Lobos took it on the chin from Northview in the first round but are looking to build on that playoff berth.
Kalin Bradford had a big year for the Lobos and is back to anchor the running game. At 6’0”, 215 pounds he’s a load. Richard Camberos, who passed for over 600 yards and five touchdowns last season returns to quarterback the offense.
A middle of the pack finish sounds about right but if the Lobos slip they could fall out of a week 11 game.
Duarte:
Coach Tip Sanders
Last Year: 6-6, 2nd in Montview
“See those five guys over there?” Duarte Coach Tip Sanders asked me back in May while standing in the weight room at Duarte High School. “That’s my team. No not just the varsity. That’s the whole program.”
Well the situation has improved since then – a little. Duarte, at last report, has about 20 players in the program. Sanders took over for Wardell Crutchfield, who was let go in March when the administration decided to go in a different direction. And as of yet the players haven’t responded.
With a lack of depth, almost the entire roster will have to go both ways. And if an injury occurs, highly likely in football, the Falcons will be in dire straits.
Sanders will turn the program around but it’s going to take a few years. For now, it looks like a long year.
La Puente
Coach Brandon Roher
Last Year: 1-9, 6th in Montview
The Warriors have a new coach and hopefully it will produce new results. Ray Hernandez won a league title in 2007 at LP in just his second year on the job. However things went South in ’08 and Hernandez stepped down with two games left in the season due to a disagreement with the administration. Hernandez has taken over at South El Monte and Brandon Roher will be on the sideline for La Puente.
Roher came over from Glendora, where he was the receivers coach under Mark Pasquarella. Roher has a quarterback to work with. Garret Hrey has been starting since he was a sophomore is back for his senior year.
The Warriors also return Jacob Maclas and Giovanni Rosales at receiver and running back Jesus Vargas. Robert Diaz and Thomas Kessler anchor what should be a formidable defensive line.
The Warriors have the players but only time will tell if Roher can bring them all together. For a first year coach, it might be a little too much to ask.
Bassett:
Coach Leon Ward
Last Year: 1-9, 7th in Montview
How bad was it last year? Bassett was outscored 125-0 in its last three games. During that three game stretch, Gladstone, which finished 2-8 on the year and lost to Ganesha early, beat them 29-0.
The Warriors did manage a 29-26 win over Firebaugh in week two, but were outscored 192-34 in six league games. Firebaugh and Ganesha are both on the schedule this year so Bassett could manage a non league victory. But for the Olympians that will probably be as good as it gets.
Olympic League: This is the oddball league- the league that we’re trying to trade to the Southeast for the Almont. The teams are located in remote places like Lancaster, North Hills, Sun Valley and Cerritos. We don’t even know how the league was put together let alone how they were placed in the Mid Valley Division. But they’re also the league where the CIF Champions reside. Let’s not kid ourselves Paraclete is the best team in the league. The Sprits are well disciplined, play great defense and do just enough on offense. Their only challenge might come from Valley Christian, who took second last year and has a couple of returning players. After that it’s an Olympic crap shoot.
Projected order of finish:
Paraclete:
Coach Norm Dahlia
Last Year: 11-3, Olympic Champs; CIF Champs
Paraclete returns 17 starters, (nine on defense), from a team that won the Mid Valley CIF Championship last December. The JV team went 8-2. So yeah, they’re the best team in the Olympic- maybe the Division.
Defensively linebacker Todd Davis leads the way along with Branden Owen up front and Kyland Warren in the secondary.
Quarterback Robbie Thompson graduated but Gabe Martinez, who spelled Thompson frequently last year, should be the full time starter. Andrew De La Rosa and Justin Vargas will see plenty of time in the backfield.
The question in Lancaster is not whether Spirits win league or not. It’s will they hang another CIF banner in the campus gymnasium.
Valley Christian:
Coach Erick Streelman
Last Year: 7-4, 2nd in Olympic
The Crusaders only lost to Paraclete last year as they took second place. They should be the only team to have a shot against the Spirits again. They return running back Kyle Kurian, quarterback Kevin Running and a big offensive lineman in TJ Lomedico. Six starters return on offense and six on defense.
They have already circled November 13 on the calendar. That’s the night they will travel to Lancaster to battle the Spirits.
League title? No. Playoff spot definitely.
LA Baptist:
Coach Josh Henderson
Last Year: 6-5, 3rd in Olympic
Nine returning starters might be enough to produce a post season berth. Jon Hunt returns at tight end where he was key part of the offense last year. Jon Hilliger will line up wide when the Knights attempt to stretch the field. Hunt will go both ways also starting at defensive end.
LA Baptist is usually in the hunt. Last year the Knights gave Duarte a scare in the first round of the CIF playoffs. A third place finish looks like a good fit again for the Baptists.
Whittier Christian:
Coach Sergio Gradilla
Last Year: 4-6, 4th in Olympic
The Heralds get Paraclete and Valley Christian in the first two weeks of league play, so we’ll know right away where they stand. If they don’t get at least one of those games their Olympic flame could be extinguished.
Whittier will have to improve on defense where they gave up an average of 24 points per game a year ago.
Village Christian
Coach Jeff Cortez
Last Year: 3-7, 5th in Olympic
VC should be able to put some points on the board. The Crusaders (yeah, they are Crusaders too), return seven starters from the 2008 squad. Kyle Custer is back at quarterback and Phillip Kinney returns to the backfield. The defense will be anchored by senior linebacker Jordan Dias.
Defense is the biggest concern for Whittier Christian. Last year the Crusaders allowed an average of nearly 25 points per game.
A win over top seeded Paraclete is too much to ask but if they can slip by Valley Christian and have the ball roll their way against the Baptists a playoff spot is probable.
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