By Andy Villanueva
ALMONT LEAGUE
ALHAMBRA
Coach: Gil Ruedaflores
The Moors return standout quarterback Darrian Cazarin and wide receiver Mitchell Crockom on the offensive side of the ball. The x-factor will be Vailele Peko who will be the primary running back.
T he loss of running back Daniel Imaa will be a factor but Alhambra will go with Peko and Brandon Wilson as their returning backs.
The Moors got no help from Almont League schedule makers as they face defending League Champions Schurr on the road, along with Montebello and San Gabriel before returning home for the final two games.
Alhambra could be in trouble after their three-game road trip and can easily be out of the playoff picture with two games left. Even though the road may be tough to hoe, Alhambra should return to the playoffs this year.
BELL GARDENS
Coach: David Ramos
BG is young and the Lancers will be asking Daniel Vargas to repeat last season’s statistics. That’s a tough thing to do.
With that said, they could easily start the league schedule 3-0 or 0-3 as they have their first three games at home.
Returning QB Josh Peraza will be a key factor if the Lancers can get a 2-1 start to league.
The Lancers need to make sure they get by Montebello and Keppel if they aspire to make the playoffs as they face Alhambra and Schurr on the road. They may return to the playoffs but likely as the third-place team.
KEPPEL
Coach: Bobby Madrid
Madrid has his work cut out for him with the Aztecs as they come into the 2009 season on a 37 game losing streak. If he can find a way to change the attitude of this team, they may get a couple of wins from a senior laden team.
Much heralded senior quarterback Evan Bachman returns to lead the offense for the Aztecs.
League wise it doesn’t look promising as Keppel begins with San Gabriel and Schurr. This is their best chance in the last few years to pick up a win. I just don’t see more than one.
MONTEBELLO
Coach Pete Gonzalez
Huge question mark on how they will compete with the Matadors, Spartans and Moors. But with the attitude displayed during the Arroyo Shoot-out, a top three finish and playoff spot is not out of the question.
What is even more pressing is who begins at the season at quarterback as three players are battling for the one spot. The only returnee at that position is Dylan Gomez.
If the QB position struggles, look for Gonzalez to pound the ball on the ground with Marcus Owens and Alex Norriega.
SAN GABRIEL
Coach: Keith Jones
San Gabriel and Schurr are the class of the Almont and should battle it out for league supremacy. With senior quarterback Isaac Valdez returning, the sky is the limit. Look for more touches from junior running back Arthur Brown. Valdez will have a talented group of receivers who he will be able to throw to.
Defensively, Luis Villegas will be the stopper up the middle of the linebacking corp.
They must stay focused and not look ahead when playing Alhambra and Montebello before going up against the Spartans. If they beat Schurr, crown them champs.
SCHURR
Coach Ben Negrete
Spartans are defending Almont Champs and with good reason. They ran the table in league last season and will be hard-pressed not to repeat.
Senior Nick Castillo will be back to carry the rock and take pressure off junior quarterback Aaron Cantu. When Cantu does drop back, he will be looking to connect with highly touted receiver Angel Sanchez.
The only real challenge appears to be a very athletic San Gabriel team and this year, Schurr must play the Mats on the road. No worse then second, but more than likely a repeat title winner.
DEL RIO LEAGUE
CALIFORNIA
Coach Jim Arnold
The Condors are rumored to have one of the best defenses in the Southeast division and they will get to prove it opening night against Rowland.
They were the favorites last year heading into the heart of the Del Rio League schedule only to drop games against La Serna and Santa Fe. This season they could be undefeated heading into the road game against the Chiefs.
California will rely heavily on senior running backs Terris Jones and Dudley Gamino.
They say defense wins championships. Time will tell this year as the Condors need them to show up every week. A league title is within their grasp and they should finish no lower than second.
EL RANCHO
Coach: Rick Zepeda
There is good news for the Dons as they have renewed hope with a new season and returning a talented senior quarterback in Josh Perea.
Losing leading running back Marcus Galan to graduation doesn’t help the El Rancho offense, but Perea can fling the ball. Look for Hector Villalobos and Edgar Barrientos as Perea’s main targets.
Don fans may see an improvement, but not enough to get to the playoffs.
LA SERNA
Coach: Margarito Beltran
Last season it appeared that the Lancers were on their way to contend for the Southeast Division title only to get derailed by Santa Fe in league and then upset by Rowland.
The big question is at quarterback as Andrew Buenrostro is the only returning signal caller after Ben Burke left for college.
La Serna may look to returning running back Michael Diaz to play some ball control and keep games close.
Not many answers on defense as they will have to find new leaders after losing Carlos Moyorqui and Louie Lozano.
This may be a down year at La Serna, but they should have enough for a third place finish and a trip to the playoffs.
PIONEER
Coach: Ramon Juarez
The Titans might struggle this year but they do return quarterback Steven Del Villar.
Del Villar will need big games from his receiving corps led be Anthony Bolanos and Anthony Perales.
The Titans leading ground gainer Matt Botello, has moved on but picking up where he left off will be either Joey Ovida, Tony Botello or Kevin Hernandez.
Pioneer will have its work cut out for them if playoffs are to be reached.
SANTA FE
Coach: Jack Mahlstede
A very promising run deep into the playoffs was extinguished in the first round when Burbank upset the Chiefs.
Quarterback Alex Flores returns with the memory of last season’s improbable defeat. He will be asked
to lead a team despite the departure of 1.000 yard rusher Aaron Turner. Mahlstede can usually find a diamond in the rough at running back.
The defense is going to have an overhaul as leading tackler Adrian Lopez leaves after graduating last season.
This team may have question marks, but they are minor compared to others in this league. The loss to Burbank will be haunting them until they get past the first round. Look for the Chiefs to be back in the mix in deciding the league champion.
WHITTIER
Coach: Walter Scott
The Cardinals have reason for excitement as they return running backs Alex Gonzalez and Christopher Barclay who both rushed for over 350 yards behind senior Daniel Enriquez.
Senior quarterback Daniel Viramontes returns to throw the ball when needed. When asked to pass, look for sure-handed wide receiver Gerardo De La O to be his main target.
This team is the most seasoned of Del Rio league teams but a playoff berth is a good possibility.
MIRAMONTE LEAGUE
BONITA
Coach Eric Podley
Gone are quarterback Terry Peradez, wide receivers Derrick Price, DeWayne Gatti, and Doug Griffith.
The spread offense for the Bearcats will be re-loaded with senior Evan Highley playing a big part along with running back Giamani Johnson and wide receiver Josh Yepez.
Third place is definitely a possibility in this league. Trying to beat Charter Oak and Los Altos on the road will be tough but Podley’s Bearcats seems to have Diamond Ranch’s number. A second or third place finish is well within reach.
CHARTER OAK
Coach Lou Farrar
This team is stacked! They lose gun slinging quarterback Chris Allen but the Chargers have three capable newcomers to replace him. No, Dan Fouts is not in the mix but right now it appears that Travis Santiago will get the nod to begin the season under center.
Returning are running backs Adam Muema and Brandon Golden. Muema took to the weight room seriously in the off-season- so much so that his own coaches had to dial him back. A stronger, faster Muema does not bode well for the rest of the Miramonte. Golden will spell Muema on occasion. Golden no doubt would be a featured back with any other team in the San Gabriel Valley.
Opponent’s offenses need to be wary now that A.J. Powell has returned to his usual defensive back position. Powell will be back to putting the fear of God in receivers who dare to go over the middle and anywhere else in the secondary. Powell will also see some time on the other side of the ball at receiver.
The question is not whether this team will win the Miramonte or Southeast division, but will the state CIF powers-that-be recognize the talent.
DIAMOND RANCH
Coach Roddy Layton
The Panthers were built for a playoff push last season, and this year’s non-league schedule seems to be a carbon copy of last years playoff drive.
Returning is quarterback Gus Viramontes who helped lead Diamond Ranch to the Southeast Division title game last year. Viramontes will be able to throw to wide receiver Brandon Taylor as he returns for his senior season.
Where the Panthers took their biggest hit was on defense as linebackers Kyle Lengyel and Brian Bonilla head to college.
Diamond Ranch will look for some payback after losing the Southeast Championship to league rival Charter Oak. That most likely won’t be in the cards but finishing second to Charter Oak won’t be a let down.
LOS ALTOS
Coach Felipe Aguilar
Last season was tough on Aguilar. The Conquerors should show marked improvement in the second year in Aguilar’s system as he is ready to be out of the shadow of mentor Greg Gano.
Senior quarterback Justin Zamano won the job during spring ball and should have a great weapon in wide receiver Ryan Longoria.
On defense look for linebacker Andrew Yamakawa to end his career with a bang as he anchors a much improved defensive side.
A return to prominence for Los Altos might still be a couple of years away, but look for a much improved Conqueror squad to have their eyes on a playoff birth.
WILSON
Coach Brian Zavala
The Greg Hoyd experiment lasted one miserable season and now it’s time for smash-mouth defense with Zavala bringing his Dark Side Defense to the Miramonte.
Zavala will rely heavily on a run first and pass second offense. Moses Vega appears to be the leading candidate at running back and Aaron Gomez will more than likely guide the offense under center at quarterback.
The leader on defense will be senior Brandon Gonzales whose five sacks will be a block on which Zavala will build upon.
With Zavala, passion will never be questioned with the Wildcats. Look for an improvement from last season but a playoff spot might be just out of reach.
PACIFIC LEAGUE
ARCADIA
Coach Jon Dimalante
The Apaches will miss the leadership of Todd Golper, but still have offensive stars in quarterback Garrett Tuck and sophomore running back David Maldanado.
Tuck will have wide receivers David Schuil and Taylor Legace opening things up on the outside. Legace has star potential and will present a deep threat for the Apaches.
Schuil will be a two-way threat as he was third on the team in tackles. Victor Wei will be a force on defense as well with his six sacks last season.
Last season was a struggle in Arcadia. Numbers were way down and the impact was seen on both sides of the ball. Too many players were forced to play both ways and it took its toll. The numbers for this year seem to be back to normal.
It will be a long shot for Arcadia to finish on top in the Pacific, but odds favor Dimalante getting his Apaches back in the playoffs.
BURROUGHS
Coach Keith Knoop
It may be a long year for the Indians who must replace 2,000 rushing yards from the recently graduated Dominque Barnes.
Running back Dalton Williams returns after getting some reps last season behind Barnes.
Returning to bark out the signals will be junior Lucas Yanez, who will be asked to lead a very young Burroughs offense.
The Indians will battle for a final playoff spot and players returning from last year’s team will be looking to erase the bitter taste left from last years one point loss to Rowland.
BURBANK
Coach Hector Valencia
Bulldogs lost quarterback Kevin Hunter to graduation and have Zach Wilke returning who only threw five passes all season.
The running game will be their main attack with seniors Sam Bethany and Leo Rodas making names for themselves in their final season.
Returning players are playoff tested and have memories of last season’s upset victory of Santa Fe. Look for the Bulldogs to battle for second place this season.
CRESCENTA VALLEY
Coach: Tony Zarrillo
Gone is quarterback Karsen Reedy and now it’s time for senior Kyle Cota to take over.
Cota will get help from returning running back Harrison Pessy who brings 678 yards in experience from last season.
Mike Bako returns to add some experience on the wide receiving corp.
The Falcons only lost to Muir in the Pacific League and gave Charter Oak a battle for a half before falling in the second round. Look for another repeat of last season and if the stars align, an outside shot at winning the Pacific.
GLENDALE
Coach: Alan Eberhart
Glendale was one of the big stories in the Pacific league with six wins, which was two more than they had in the past four years combined.
Nitros have senior quarterback Moises Chavez returning after passing for 1,865 yards last season.
Chavez will have a familiar face to throw to in Dillon Fuller who returns for his junior season.
Making the playoffs will be no easy task for the Nitros. A top four finish will mean having to beat Arcadia and or Burbank or Burroughs. It’s a long shot but Rafik Thorossian has these guys believing.
HOOVER
Coach: Chris Long
The Tornadoes have no place to go after going winless for the second straight season.
On the upside, AJ Pule returns for his second straight season at quarterback. Pule looses his favorite receiver Adam Ochart to graduation and now must find a new partner to throw to.
Maybe Hoover will benefit as CIF looks to re-align in 2010.
MUIR
Coach Ken Howard
Even though this team lost a ton of starters, they have a boat load of talent coming back.
Senior quarterback Jarron Williams came on the scene last year allowing Reuben Thomas concentrate more on the defensive side of the ball. Williams will look to improve on the 1,600 yard, 15 touchdown season. But can he find any targets?
Gone are Chris Dunlap, Myles Campbell, Tryee Mills and Thomas. Of course this is Muir we’re talking about and the Mustangs never seem to have a shortage of skill guys.
Eddie Tripp will be the new running back behind and offensive line that may be the best Muir has ever had.
Last season they were derailed by Diamond Ranch in the first round of the playoffs. This season should see another Pacific League title and Howard won’t be satisfied unless Muir is in the Southeast title game.
PASADENA
Coach Mike McFarland
The Bulldogs have a new coach and new attitude in Pasadena. McFarland brings a ton of coach experience and a positive outlook.
Returning to run the rock is Dametre Clark and who saw some playing time last season behind J’Quan Hamilton. Nick Escoe will also get plenty of touches at the running back. Escoe has been impressive all summer.
The Question will be at quarterback with only senior Daren Orsbern returning from last season’s squad.
In a couple of years McFarland will have this team competing at the top of the division. For now a few wins in league will be the ceiling.
SAN ANTONIO LEAGUE
NOGALES
Coach: Vito Saracino
Nobles have won 12 games in last five seasons.
This year Nogales will run, run and run some more. Look for Trent Murray and Timothy Guerra to carry the load for a very young team.
That said, this team doesn’t figure to push the other four teams in the league. Two or three wins would be a good season.
ROWLAND
Coach Craig Snyder
Probably the most talked about junior quarterback in the Southeast Division, athletic Michael Ball returns for his second season.
Keeping defenses honest last year was B.J. Stansell. Josh Ononughe spelled Stansell at running back last year and is the heir apparent.
Ball looses his favorite receiver in BJ Oyefeso but Snyder is expecting great things from Irvin Crawford as the new go to guy.
On defense, look for Louie Valdez to return and wreak havoc from the linebacker position. After nine sacks last season, opposing quarterbacks will be having nightmares before and after playing the Raiders.
No doubt expectations are high after last season’s results. They were one or two plays from playing in the Southeast Division title game. The team might lack depth, but if they can stay healthy, Rowland may be in the league title mix.
SOUTH HILLS
Coach: Steve Bogan
South Hills is not accustomed to sharing league titles. Last year West Covina, Rowland and South Hills had a piece but Bogan will look to put the Huskies alone at the top this year
Brock Boothe has been in the system and will vie for job to replace Cameron Deen. Also in the mix will be Jacob Shirley. Shirley however sat out last season and it’s yet to be determined if he is ready to lead the Huskies.
Whoever is quarterback will have a huge target in Ify Umodu. The receiving corps is stout with Umodu, tight end Dakota Behr and senior Geoffrey Vaughns as the main targets.
Jordan Gutierrez appears to be running back of choice in the event that Jordan Canada is not cleared to play. Miles Bevel is also a capable runner when called upon.
This team is always going in the right direction and this year is no different. Anything less than a league title is considered a disappointment. Could this be the year that the east San Gabriel Valley gets a showdown with South Hills and Charter Oak in the Southeast Championship game?
WALNUT
Coach Michael O’Shields
Is this the season the Mustangs crack the playoffs?
Last year every secondary in the San Antonio League dreaded the thought of having to take on Leonard Rhodes. This year will be even more dreadful and Rhodes returns bigger and badder. And, if that’s not enough for a 150 pound cornerback to lose sleep over, Milan King is back as well.
Thomas Peralta returns as the triggerman of the Mustang offense. Peralta threw for just under 1,000 yards last season and also 10 touchdowns. Rhodes, who else, was his favorite target coming out of the backfield.
Last season, Walnut appeared on the cusp of breaking into the top three only to have their playoffs hopes squelched in crushing losses to South Hills and Rowland.
With three very talented players in Walnut, a playoff birth does not seem that far away. That however will require an upset over South Hills, Rowland or West Covina.
WEST COVINA
Coach Mike Maggiore
Growing pains for quarterback George Johnson were almost gone as the Bulldogs entered league play. Johnson, now a seasoned veteran, will lead a West Covina team that last year knocked off perennial favorite South Hills.
Ricky Johnson solidified his standing as one of the areas best in 08’-09’. When Johnson wasn’t leaving defenders in his wake, Jesse Ili was using his 6’1” 220 pound frame to steamroll them.
Maggiore’s biggest challenge this season will be finding replacements for last years senior laded offensive line. Protecting George Johnson and opening holes for Ricky Johnson will have to be top priority.
With key pieces of a team returning that grabbed a share of the San Antonio title last year, the Bulldogs have to like their chances again. South Hills will be looking for some payback for last year, but West Covina will be more than up to the challenge.
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