MidValleySports.Com

Tim Peterson

It wasn’t the best timing in the world. That much is clear. But sometimes it’s not about timing. It’s about opportunity. If you always wait for the right time you might be waiting forever. Sometimes you have to seize the opportunity.

Sure Vinnie Lopez could have turned down the Pacifica job because the calendar had turned to May. That might have been the best thing for the El Rancho program, but would it have been the best thing for Lopez and his family? The answer is no.

The job was being offered now- not in January. The job was being offered now – not next year or two years from now. The offer to teach and coach at Pacifica was one that for Lopez, when he considered the benefits for him and his family, was one that was impossible to turn down. It actually would have been surprising had he said no. It doesn’t matter if it’s May, January or the Fourth of July, if an opportunity comes up that you want grab it. It might not ever be there again.

Apparently other coaches thought the Pacifica job looked pretty good as well. Bellflower HC Derek Brown and former Mayfair head coach Mike Fitch were among the applicants.

As for El Rancho they’ll be fine. Shop around and get the best coach available. It will have to be quick but they still have time. Our readers like former Don Adrian Medrano of Bonita. Good choice but if that doesn’t work out, plug in an assistant and let it rip. With the talent at ER it would be a smooth transition.

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The frustrating thing about the Brian Tabatabai situation is the lack of transparency by the school board. This was brought up over an over again at the board meeting last Wednesday night. Former coach and current El Monte High teacher Ted Clarke said exactly that during his time to speak. Yes Tabatabai was fired as the offensive coordinator but we still don’t know the exact reason why. Yes JV Football Coach David Paredes was fired but we still don’t know why.

We’ve heard things…we’ve heard a lot of things…but it’s all pure speculation. We’ve reached out to the board but haven’t received a response. Attention Board: Fire him if you must but everybody is owed an explanation to go along with it.

The Lions could still recover from all of this but if Head Coach Joel Sanchez decides to step down the next few years will be a monumental struggle.

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The first big passing tournament of the year is this Saturday at Charter Oak. Although there are some out of area teams participating (Palmdale, Calabasas, Santiago) there are several local teams that will be there too including El Rancho…yes El Rancho. Should be interesting.

That’s my principle.

Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com or on Twitter @tspeterson40.