MidValleySports.Com

Friday November 13

South El Monte (3-6) at Arroyo (7-2)

Last Year: South El Monte 35-32

All-Time: Arroyo 10-5

  The Eagles have beaten Arroyo the last four years. A month ago this game looked like a rout but suddenly South has won three of four league games to clinch a playoff berth. A 28-3 win last week over Gabrielino made it official for Ray Hernandez’ Eagles.

  The Knights haven’t just been beating MVL opponents, they’ve been destroying them. Since a 14-12 win over Rosemead, they have outscored their last three opponents 143-7. Mike Vasquez, Steven Rivera and Chris Rodriguez have all played a part in the explosion.

  South is hot but Arroyo is hotter. Knights break the losing streak.

Arroyo 28 South El Monte 10

 

Rosemead (4-5) at Gabrielino (3-6)

Last Year: Rosemead 36-6

All-Time: Rosemead 7-4

  The Panthers are right where they want to be. After some early season struggles, Rosemead has won three straight and is in line for a second place finish in the MVL. Matt Fregoso has filled in admirably for the injured Joey Diaz, surpassing the 1000 yard mark in rushing.

  Gabrielino was eliminated from playoff contention last week with a loss to South El Monte. The Eagles are playing only for pride. That won’t be enough.

Rosemead 31 Gabrielino 6

 

El Monte (0-9) at Mt. View (0-9)

Last Year: El Monte 21-6

All-Time: El Monte 25-12

  It’s fitting that the “Gutter Bowl” has come down to the last game of the season. Somebody has to win don’t they? It’s never easy to lose every game but it’s more disappointing for the Lions who after making the playoffs last year, were hoping for a repeat performance.

  Sophomore Manuel Santa Cruz has taken over at quarterback for El Monte and although he has provided a spark it hasn’t translated to a win. The closest the Vikings came to a victory was a 12-7 loss to Gabrielino two weeks ago.

  Fellow Mid Valley Sports staffer George Hernandez has seen both teams several times and he likes Mt. View by a field goal. I’ll go with that.

Mt. View 13 El Monte 10

 

Temple City (5-3-1) at San Marino (7-2)

Last Year: Temple City 21-10

All-Time: Temple City 36-17-2

  San Marino’s loss to La Canada two weeks ago threw a wrench in the Rio Hondo. San Marino needs a win to get in the playoffs and even if the Titans get it, assuming La Canada beats South Pas, there could be a three way tie for second in the Rio Hondo. LC, TC and San Marino would all be 3-2 which could mean a CIF coin flip.

  The Temple City offense has been playing well lately. We know about the running game and Max Ruckle, but the passing game with Justin Smith, Andrew Torres and David Spratt has been clicking. By the way Ruckle is banged up and is questionable for the contest.

  Despite the misstep against La Canada the Titans are tough. Joe Forgatch and Stevie Yortsos need to get the offense going early.

  It should come down to the fourth quarter. TC comes out on top.

Temple City 21 San Marino 17

 

La Canada (4-4) at South Pasadena (2-7)

Last Year: La Canada 20-0

  The Spartans stunned San Marino two weeks ago and need this one to have a shot at the post season. They aren’t about to let South Pas get in the way of that. La Canada should score early, late and often. Rocky Moore and Spartans roll.

La Canada 35 South Pasadena 7

 

San Dimas (8-1) at Baldwin Park (8-1)

Last Year: San Dimas 46-36

All-Time: Baldwin Park 11-7

  This is the game of the week. It’s all come down to this in the Valle Vista. Both teams are 4-0 in league and 8-1 overall.

  San Dimas is solid offensively-the Saints have scored over 35 points in six of their nine games. BP can score as well. The Braves put up 49 last week and have scored 30 or more on four other occasions.

  Defensively San Dimas has pitched three shutouts while the Braves have allowed nine points or less in four different games.

  It could go either way but San Dimas has more playmakers. I’ll go with the Saints but don’t bet the house. SD by a field goal.

San Dimas 24 Baldwin Park 21

 

Northview (1-8) at Covina (4-5) Covina District Field   

Last Year: Northview 48-7

2007: Northview 38-13

  Covina is in. Northview is out. The Vikes are playing out the string while the Colts want a victory heading into the post season. It was the Covina defense that made the difference last week in the win over Ganesha. That D and a little more offense will be enough to take care of Northview.

Covina 24 Northview 10

 

Gladstone (7-2) at La Puente (7-2)  

Last Year: Gladstone 21-10

  Both teams have rebounded from disastrous seasons a year ago. Neither team made the playoffs and finished a combined 3-17 in 2008. This year they’re both 7-2, (4-1 in league), and the winner gets second place in the Montview.

  It’s hard to differentiate between the two. They both took care of the bottom half of the Montview and they both suffered a loss at the hands of first place Azusa. However Gladstone fell only 14-7 to the Aztecs while La Puente got pummeled 50-21.

  The Gladiators defense has been stingy all year and they have been consistent on offense. G-Stone holds off Warriors late.

Gladstone 24 La Puente 20

 

Paraclete (6-3) at Valley Christian (6-3)

Last Year: Paraclete 37-13

  Valley Christian has matched the Spirits 3-0 record but that ends here. Paraclete simply has too much and it’s that time of year again. Valley Christian will get in as the second place team.

Paraclete 31 Valley Christian 14

 

Village Christian (6-3) at Whittier Christian (6-3) Whittier College

Last Year: Whittier Christian 30-21

  The winner grabs the third place spot in the Olympic and goes to the playoffs. Whittier Christian lost to Paraclete 12-0 while Village Christian was blown out 35-0 by the Spirits. Also Whittier is at home. Crusaders live to see another day.

Whittier Christian 27 Village Christian 20

 

Other Games:

 

Thursday November 12

 

Firebaugh (1-8) at Sierra Vista (4-5)

  Dons close out with a win.

Sierra Vista 30 Firebaugh 7

 

Friday November 13

 

Pomona (5-4) at Ganesha (1-8)

Last Year: Pomona 34-13

  Red Devils win “The Fight for the Fair”.

 Pomona 35 Ganesha 13

 

Blair (0-9) at Monrovia (9-0)

Last Year: Monrovia 48-12

  Cats finish off a perfect regular season.

Monrovia 45 Blair 6

 

Duarte (0-9) at Bassett (3-6)

Last Year: Duarte 54-0

  Olympians win first in league. Tip looking at 2010 calendar.

Bassett 20 Duarte 7

 

Workman (6-3) at Azusa (8-1)

Last Year: Azusa 42-14

  Both teams will get in playoffs but Azusa wins big here.

Azusa 31 Workman 7