Former Monrovia QB Nick Bueno (Left) is now coaching at Arroyo with his brother Johnny Bueno who plays for Monrovia
Deshawn Potts graduated, and Miles Bryant transferred to St. Francis. Ryan Maddox retired as did a majority of the coaching staff. With Kurt Scoby also graduating in June Monrovia suddenly had several issues to address.
Well I think it’s safe to say the quarterback issue is settled. Asaph “Ace” Zamora has been brilliant so far this summer. Saturday he led Monrovia to the SGV Shootout championship – capping an undefeated run with four touchdown passes against Buena Park in the final game.
Zamora backed up Potts last year and with the Cats devastating running attack he didn’t really get a chance to show what he could do. He did complete 10 of 15 passes for 155 yards and five touchdowns while appearing in four games. However Miles Bryant also played in three games and a competition was expected this summer. But Bryant then transferred and the job was Zamora’s to lose. And so far he has taken full advantage.
He makes all the throws, down the field or short outs and is also showing leadership capabilities as the passing circuit goes on. Only a junior Zamora has two full years to lead the program.
Of course it doesn’t hurt to have guys like Octavius Spencer, Khalil Bradley and James Jackson catching the ball but Zamora seems to always put the ball in the right spot. Note to Central Division opponents. With Chris Stevens as the new head coach and Kameron Johnson at running back it appears the other issues have been addressed too.
Other notes from the SGV Shootout: Former Monrovia quarterback Nick Bueno is now coaching the running backs at Arroyo. Bueno knows several Arroyo players from years past and feels it’s a good fit. It was funny seeing him in a “Knights” shirt though. Bueno’s brother Johnny plays for Monrovia.
Los Altos OC Steven Burke has lost over 150 pounds since last season. “Hope you got my skinny side” Burke said Saturday while I was snapping a shot. It sure looked like I did. Burke, now more than ever, and the rest of the Conquerors are ready to go.
“Lorenzo Silva looks a thousand times better than last year,” said Los Altos HC Dale Ziola.
It was the first throw of the year for first year Maranatha HC Steve Bogan and the Minutemen. “It takes a long time to get all of the coaches cleared. Here at Maranatha it’s a different process. But I like the process. It’s necessary,” Bogan said.
Former South El Monte stars Manny Acosta and Jose Garay are back at their alma mater on the coaching staff. “I want to see this team start winning again,” Acosta said. Acosta, a four year starter for the Cal State LA baseball team, is also holding out hope for a shot at the major leagues.
Arcadia has the skill guys, QB Nico Hiller has been great, but do they have the line to protect?
Keppel will get off the snide this year. That’s not just my opinion. I was also told that by several coaches Saturday.
I was also told by every coach that I talked to that it’s now official. Jim Singiser and the Arroyo Knights run the best passing league tournament of the summer. It’s a slam dunk.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com or on Twitter @tspeterson40
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