Can G-Stone Bounce Back against El Monte?
All game times are 7:00 PM unless otherwise indicated
Thursday September 24
South El Monte (0-3) at La Puente (2-1)
Last Year: South El Monte 52-16
La Puente has a bruising back in Jesus Vargas and a three year starter in quarterback Garrett Hrey. The Warriors won their first two before running into a truck last week in Baldwin Park.
There’s no question South El Monte is struggling. The Eagles showed signs last week but they’re still a long way away. LP under new coach Brandon Roher gets it done.
La Puente 21 South El Monte 10
Tesoro (1-2) at South Hills (1-1) Covina District Field
South Hills was beaten up last week by La Habra. The Huskies stayed with the Highlanders early but were run over in the second half by Josh “Juice” Quezada. Jacob Shirley sat out last week’s game but should get the start this week at quarterback.
Tesoro is similar to La Habra. The Titans play in the brutal South Coast League which features schools such as Mission Viejo and San Clemente. Tesoro is coming off of a 45-14 win over El Modena.
It’s another huge non league test for Steve Bogan and the Huskies. Shirley makes a difference and South Hills stays in it but ultimately Tesoro escapes with a win.
Tesoro 27 South Hills 24
Friday September 25
Bonita (0-3) at Baldwin Park (3-0)
Last Year: Bonita 49-14
At first glance this is a win for Baldwin Park. The Braves have won three straight while the Bearcats have lost three in a row. But not so fast. The Braves have beaten up on three opponents that they probably should have while Bonita has lost to the likes of Westview and Santa Fe. Despite that BP should be in good shape. Manny Salcedo and Christian Lazaro have been playing at a high level and the D has been solid.
Bonita hangs around but Baldwin Park comes out on top.
Baldwin Park 21 Bonita 17
Claremont (1-1) at Arroyo (2-0)
Last Year: Claremont 23-20
This is a much different Knight team than a year ago. They’re much more experienced and much more efficient. The stats were there for Steven Rivera, Chris Rodriguez and company last week but the most important stat was that they only turned the ball over once.
Claremont did beat Bonita earlier and has a good offense but can the Wolfpack score enough to beat Arroyo? My guess is no. Knights move to 3-0.
Arroyo 28 Claremont 17
Walnut (2-0) at Covina (1-1)
Last Year: Walnut 44-20
The Mustangs have everybody back and it has showed in the first two weeks. They’ve racked up 91 points in the two contests behind the running of Leonard Rhodes and Milan King and the passing of Austin Cooper.
Covina had a nice rebound win last week against El Monte after falling to Rosemead in week one. But this week the Mustangs will run wild.
Walnut 38 Covina 20.
Gladstone (2-1) at El Monte (0-2) South El Monte H.S
Last Year: El Monte 33-0
This is a tough one to call. G-Stone looked good in the summer and the Gladiators did win their first two games. But that loss last week to Bosco Tech wasn’t good. El Monte lost twice but La Puente and Covina aren’t bad. The Lions have been hurt by penalties and mistakes.
Gladstone will give the Lions problems but I’ll go with El Monte to get its first win.
El Monte 17 Gladstone 14
Glendora (1-1) at West Covina (0-3)
Last Year: West Covina 28-21
The Bulldogs need a victory. A surprising loss to El Rancho and then expected losses to Venice and Bishop Amat and suddenly the WC finds itself 0-3. This might be the wrong night to get a W.
Glendora is always in the mix. This year the Tartans fell to Upland but bounced back to knock off a tough Canyon team. The Bulldogs might have to wait until next week to get in the win column. The Tartans have too much.
Glendora 21 West Covina 10
Rancho Cucamonga (3-0) at Charter Oak (3-0)
Last Year: 14-14 Tie
The Chargers struggled in week one but have rebounded to rout University and Diamond Bar in the last two games. Rancho Cucamonga is always a good measuring stick for the Chargers and this year will be no different.
The Cougars are undefeated as well and appear to be hitting their stride just in time for CO. With weapons like Adam Muema, AJ Powell and Travis Santiago the Chargers should be able to hold on. Nobody is kissing their sister this year.
Charter Oak 24 Rancho Cucamonga 17
San Dimas (3-0) at Monrovia (3-0)
Two of the Mid Valley Division heavyweights in an early season match up. San Dimas has been lighting up the scoreboard but the Saints haven’t faced anybody resembling Monrovia. But still 130 points in three games makes you stand up and take notice.
Monrovia has made people take notice with three consecutive wins. Last week the Cats exacted some revenge on CIF Finalist Rosemead.
Both teams will score but I think the Wildcats will make more big plays. Nick Bueno and M-Town get the win in a shootout.
Monrovia 31 San Dimas 28
Temple City (0-2) at Arcadia (0-2)
“The Brawl for the Mall” has also turned into the battle of the winless. Temple City has lost two games by a total of six points and was leading in both contests. It’s been a struggle for Arcadia both offensively and defensively. Although it’s hard to beat up the Apaches when their opponents have been Monrovia and St. Francis.
If everybody is healthy Arcadia is tough to beat. But right now there are still some guys banged up. The Rams won’t pull away early but they will eventually. Temple City wins and throws a party at Wood Ranch.
Temple City 21 Arcadia 13
Other Games- Quick Hits
Northview (0-2) at Rowland (2-0)
Last Year: Rowland 21-12
Rowland Rolls 28-7
Wilson (2-0) at Schurr (1-1)
Schurr has the edge 17-14
LA Wilson (0-2) at Alahambra (1-1)
Moors win this city battle 21-17
Azusa (2-1) at Gabrielino (1-2)
Azusa big 31-6
Bassett (2-1) at Mt. View (0-3)
Vikes still searching. Bassett 20-10
Crescenta Valley (1-1) at La Canada (1-0)
Last Year: Crescenta Valley 39-7
This Year: Crescenta Valley 35-7
Harvard Westlake (1-1) at Rosemead (1-1)
Last Year: Harvard Westlake 45-6
Rosemead doesn’t have Tra Sumler again this year. Harvard Westlake 28-14
Hoover (1-1) at San Marino (2-0)
Last Year: San Marino 52-6
San Marino isn’t South Pas. San Marino 38-6
Montebello (1-2) at El Rancho (2-1)
Last Year: Montebello 20-13
You haven’t been hit ‘til you’ve been hit by the Ranch! Well maybe not but Dons win 21-14
St. Francis (2-0) at Burroughs (1-1)
Last Year: St. Francis 30-5
St Frank’s by double digits. St Francis 31-14
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