Tim Peterson
By Tim Peterson
Who is Frank Gallardo? That is the question that keeps popping up on our boards this week after Gallardo was hired as the new head coach at South El Monte.
Well if it’s experience that you want then Gallardo brings it. For the last 12 years Gallardo has been an area assistant coach. He was the defensive coordinator at Whittier for seven years and another three at Bell Gardens. For the last two years he has been on Margarito Beltran’s staff at La Serna. He also has ties to El Rancho.
This is Gallardo’s first stint as a head coach but when you’ve been coaching for the better part of 12 years, you know the game. I’m still not sure why Ibis Aguilar was let go but Gallardo is a solid hire. Give the guy a chance.
If there’s one thing we have learned from the Eric Elias resignation is that experienced assistant coaches are gold. Elias, who spent ten years on Arcadia’s staff, is currently a hot commodity. The Mid Valley Sports staff has personally received numerous calls from coaches requesting Elias’ phone number. By now Elias is no doubt mulling over several offers. Assistants usually burn out after a few years or become head coaches. But an assistant who has stayed at one school for ten years? They are in high demand. Believe me.
The SGV Shootout at Arroyo is already filled. As of our last update there are no current openings. We will post the teams as soon as they are completely confirmed and finalized.
By all reports Schurr quarterback Adam Polanco has transferred to Garfield. I’ve heard it from five different sources that Polanco, a freshman in 2014, is gone. But I learned this week that nothing is official until well…it’s official. So I’ll hold off.
El Rancho’s 2015 schedule is set. The Dons will open at Claremont then get Capistrano Valley and Newport Harbor at home before traveling to Diamond Ranch and then back home to host Katella. Santa Fe the following week will kick off Del Rio League play.
“The way the system is set up now it doesn’t pay to have a soft schedule. We want to put ourselves in a spot where we compete against other playoff teams every week,” said El Rancho HC Vinnie Lopez.
El Rancho returns three of four receivers plus Malachi Allen, described by Lopez as a beast. Allen will help on both sides of the line. The Dons do however lose quarterback Andrew Perea.
“Well be all right though. We have a system where we can line up any athlete there and they will have a lot of success. Even if we have to tweak my play calling a little to take advantage of whatever skills my QB brings to the table,” Lopez added.
Speaking of Diamond Ranch, who’s the new head coach? Anybody? Anybody?
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com or follow him on twitter @tspeterson40
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