Tim Peterson
If you look at the Southeast Division, you’re looking at West Covina aren’t you? The Bulldogs have won two straight CIF titles and there hasn’t been much of a drop off in talent. Lately for West Co, as it is for Monrovia in the Mid-Valley, it’s not a case of rebuilding but reloading.
Or you might look at Bonita. The Bearcats have their quarterback returning and are looking to bounce back from last year’s disappointing finish. Maybe you look at Arcadia, with some new talent emerging in quarterback Zach Yee, linebacker Austin Ford and receiver Darius Elliot. But the place that we’re hearing the most noise from is La Mirada.
The Matadores have their quarterback Gerry Myers returning (1685 yards, 15 TD) but he might not even be the best quarterback on the team. Kevin Dillman, who will be a sophomore in the fall, is already getting D1 offers. Dillman, 6-4, 205, will be competing with Myers for the starting job in camp.
“I’m not sure who is going to start,” said a La Mirada fan who posted on our site. “I know the senior worked hard in the off season and put on a lot of muscle. They are both doing well in spring workouts but it’s nice to have the luxury of two quality quarterbacks.”
Last year La Mirada’s season came crashing to a close when West Covina beat them up in the CIF Semi Finals 63-24. But there has been a different feeling, “a buzz” if you will, about this year’s team. Some feel it might be the best team La Mirada has fielded in years. There’s a new defensive coordinator from St. Paul and several key players returning from last year’s team.
Okay so throw the Matadores name in the Southeast hat.
Isn’t it about time for Diamond Ranch to jump back in the fray?
I granted the name “’White Lightning” on Arcadia’s Ford and I think it might stick.
“I like it!” Ford said. “Hey we Gingers keep sunscreen in business.”
Ford didn’t just like the nickname but he likes his team as well.
“After losing 27 seniors we have a huge job in front of us this year. But the positive feedback keeps us motivated,” Ford added. “Sheldon McKinley and I are the only returners to have three years varsity experience under our belts. We are going to make the best of it and lead our team by working exceptionally hard this summer and we expect nothing less than for the entire team to come out fighting. Watch for us. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”
With Marquise Bias graduating you figure Gevontray Ainsworth is the guy in Monrovia. The senior transferred in after having a big year in Covina and there was nobody else on the horizon. Well don’t look now but there’s another Bueno in the backfield It’s Jacob Bueno, who saw some action in the playoffs last year and is expected to do bigger and better things this year.
When I posted the top returning running backs this week for the Mid Valley I omitted Bueno’s name. He really didn’t get on the field until late in the season and I was focusing on the players who will make an impact. According to the M-Town faithful he will have an impact…a big one.
“Bueno’s going to have a break out season” and “Bueno will have a break out season,” said the comments on the board.
Well he’s definitely worth a look. With a name like Bueno he’s got to be good.
El Monte continues to fly under the radar this of season. First Torosian wonders about the size along the offensive line and then I leave Bryan Luevano off of the running back list.
“No love for B-Luv.” I was hearing it right away.
It was clearly an oversight. It was my bad. Don’t worry Bryan. It’s been corrected. We’re expecting you to have a big year. We just hope you have a line to run behind.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com
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