All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated
Thursday September 29
San Dimas (4-0) at California (3-1)
Cal has won three straight but the Condors’ schedule hasn’t exactly resembled murderers row. Meanwhile San Dimas isn’t a team to be messed with. The Saints have destroyed everybody in their path. Their offense ranks right up there with the Greatest Show on turf. They have racked up 209 points in four games. Cal will have trouble keeping up. It might be a running clock by the fourth quarter. San Dimas…big.
San Dimas 45 California 10
**
Friday September 30
Arroyo (4-1) at South El Monte (5-0)
The Southmen will get their first real test of the year. Arroyo is the class of the MVL and has been for the last few years. The Knights have had some troubles with player suspensions but they haven’t skipped a beat. Last week they shut out MVL contender Rosemead 16-0. Arroyo’s main task will be shutting out the Eagles high powered back Sal Tovar. The junior has rushed for over 1200 yards in the first five games. If the Knights defense can contain him they’ll be fine. We think they will. Knights win close.
Arroyo 24 South El Monte 21
**
Muir (2-2) at Arcadia (4-0)
With the player pipeline between Pasadena and Arcadia lately this one could get interesting. The Apaches struggled last week but eventually came away with a win over Pasadena to remain undefeated. Muir won its first two games but got worked two weeks ago by La Salle and last week fell in the Pacific League opener to Burbank. The Mustangs need to back on track and this would be the perfect time to do it. It will come down to a big play in the fourth quarter. Arcadia will be the one to make it. This is starting to look like the Apaches year. They go 5-0.
Arcadia 27 Muir 20
**
Buena Park (4-0) at S. Francis (4-0)
Both teams are facing the best team they have seen so far this year. A big question will be if the Coyotes non-league schedule has tested them enough. St Francis has beaten a good La Serna team and an athletic Dorsey squad. Still, Buena Park is well coached and Anthony White and staff will have them ready.
Buena Park 48 St. Francis 20
**
Schurr (3-1) at Whittier (2-2)
Last year the Spartans came into the game with the Cardinals with a 1-3 record and got drubbed 39-0. This year they are 3-1 and even with the loss to West Covina, are playing good football. Whittier is in the same spot they were last year at .500 but have lost two straight. Schurr will be looking for some payback on the beating they took last year.
Schurr 35 Whittier 21
**
Duarte (3-1) at Maranatha (1-2-1)
The Falcons will be looking to rebound after getting beat up by Whittier Christian. Maranatha has a staff with a proven track record but lack the horses to go with it. If the Falcons can keep their focus on fundamentals and coach Heggins’ instructions, it will be a long night for the Minutemen.
Duarte 28 Maranatha 14
***
South Pasadena (3-1) at Gabrielino (2-2, 0-1)
This is the first ever meeting between these schools. Ever. If the Tigers are for real (like MVS staffer Joe T. seems to think they are) then they can’t screw up here. The Eagles are vulnerable and South Pas should exploit them to the tune of a three touchdown win.
South Pasadena 24 Gabrielino 7
***
Burroughs (2-2, 1-0) at Pasadena (0-4, 0-1)
The Bulldogs haven’t scored a point since September 2…Which makes things difficult for a defense which is not great but respectable. Things get even tougher Friday night because now they have to find a way to contain Chance Bell. Keith Knoop retires, Zander Anding, Dominique Barnes, Iron Joe Wiggan graduate…and the Indians keep producing big time running backs. This is Burroughs eleventh season in the Pacific and they are 9-1 against Pasadena.
Burroughs 28 Pasadena 6
***
Rosemead (0-5, 0-1) at Mountain View (2-3, 0-1)
All-Time: Rosemead, 40-3
The last time the Vikings beat the Panthers was in 1998…They have the tools to snap this 17-game losing streak. Again, they have to minimize their mistakes at the most crucial times…News Flash: Whoever loses this game is screwed. The Panthers have shown the ability in the past to plug holes in a sinking shop and go on a league run…But they may not have the materials this time around.
Mt. View 30 Rosemead 17