Valle Vista League
SD "Bad Dude" Theo Darlington
1.) San Dimas Saints
Head Coach: Bill Zernickow
Staff: Brian Mustain DC, Mark Holman, Phil Ramirez, Dane Johnson, Jim Espalin, John Strickland, Jason Carson, Danny Lopez, Richard “Big Dog” Sims, Richard Bullocks.
Last Year: 13-1
Last 5 Years: 40-18 overall, 19-6 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 CIF Finals: Won Monrovia 12-7
1st Down: A quick look at the roster tells you that nearly everybody is back from last year’s CIF winning team. Modesto transfer Codee Watts replaces injured Sean Kennedy at quarterback.
2nd Down: You can never rest on Zernickow’s offense. Just when you think you have him figured out…the only head coach in the area who sits in the crow’s nest.
3rd Down: Players to watch: Dillon Corona, Theo Darlington, Kevin Kolbeck and Allen Brown. Player to fear: Jordan Taylor.
4th Down: Saints seeking fourth straight win in Smudge Pot.
Game Plan: Barring a major injury, Valle Vista title is a given. The question is how far can they run in playoffs?
Non League Schedule: at Bonita, at South El Monte, Rancho Cucamonga, Monrovia.
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2.) Baldwin Park Braves
Head Coach James Heggins
Staff: Bryan Sterling, Kenny Lewis
Last Year: 9-3
Last 5 Years: 34-21 overall, 15-10 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 Second Round: Lost Whittier Christian 27-17
1st Down: Last year BP was knocking on the door, Can the Braves break it down this year?
2nd Down: Wardell Crutchfield III and Demetrius Jackson have both verbally committed to UTEP.
3rd Down: The Braves have scheduled up. They travel to South Hills in week one.
4th Down: Mario Rodriguez, although still being pushed, looks like the man at quarterback.
Game Plan: Biggest game of the year: at San Dimas October 8. A win over SD and Covina the following week and BP will be in business. The Braves close the season with Nogales and Northview
Non League Schedule: Rowland, South Hills, at Cantwell, Bonita
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3.) Wilson Wildcats
Head Coach: Brian Zavala
Staff: Chris Williams OC, John Sanchez, Fred Estrada, Jeff Wiese, Danny Banzet, Mike Vasquez, James Hernandez, Rudy Camano.
Last Year: 3-7
Last 5 Years: 19-34 overall, 3-17 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2007 Second Round: Lost Trabuco Hills 55-6
1st Down: Big numbers and a lot of talent for Zavala. QB Brandon Schreiman is getting bigger and better by the day.
2nd Down: Moses Vega is back at his true position. After doing everything for the Wildcats last year Vega will be used solely at running back.
3rd Down: Wilson’s strongest suit may be its front line. The Bubbas are led by Joseph Prohoroff.
4th Down: Everyone knows about Vega but skill players Keith Hawk, George Czarnek, and Josh Nelson have had a great summer.
Game Plan: Wilson loves the move to the Valle Vista. Any league without Charter Oak and Diamond Ranch is welcome. A win over either San Dimas or Baldwin Park would make the year.
Non League Schedule: Diamond Bar, at Los Altos, La Puente, El Monte
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4.) Covina Colts
Head Coach: Darryl Thomas
Staff: Joe Brown OC, Kevin Galaspy Special Teams, Joe Schismer WR, Ryan Williams OL, David Calderon OL, Charles Shorts RB, Jeremy Miller Digital Video, Ryan Parry DL, Josh Washington DL, Chris Alcarez LB, Mike Bell DB, Greg Ainsworth DB.
Last Year: 5-6
Last 5 Years: 37-22 overall, 18-7 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 First Round: Lost Azusa 41-13
1st Down: Billy Livingston has had a busy summer, including attending the Peyton Manning camp in July.
2nd Down: Receiver Remontay McClain is the fastest player in the country.
3rd Down: Sophomore running back Gevontry Ainsworth could make an impact.
4th Down: The Colts have lost to Azusa the last two years in the playoffs. With Azusa strong they could square off again.
Game Plan: Livingston is the key. He threw for over 1,500 yards a year ago but didn’t really get going until week three. With McClain and Randy Robledo on the other side he could crack 2000. Livingston unleashed could be dangerous.
Non League Schedule: at West Covina, Gladstone, El Monte, Walnut.
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5.) Pomona Red Devils
Head Coach: Anthony Rice
Staff: Tamoi Hicks DC, Dave Anderson, Aaron Jamieson, Cleve Johnson, Frank Strong, Will Reed, Rashawan Moulton, Keith Richard, Ivan Bell, Richard Bell, Jason Albaugh, Albert Abdou.
Last Year: 6-4
Last 5 Years: 20-29 overall, 7-18 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2003 First Round: Lost Fullerton 24-6
1st Down: Rice wishes Taj Teague and Sali Johnwell well.
2nd Down: Pomona always has talent. Now they have Rice.
3rd Down: Jamal Overton is slated to replace Teague at running back,
4th Down: How long will it take for players to adapt to Rice’s system?
Game Plan: After dropping three of their last four last season, the Devils need to learn how to finish.
Non League Schedule: Garey, Montclair, Ganesha, Chino Hills.
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6.) Nogales Nobles
Head Coach: Sebastien Hernandez
Last Year: 2-8
Last 5 Years: 11-39 overall, 1-19 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 1995 Second Round: Lost Chaminade 28-0
1st Down: Keith Bolden ready to breakout.
2nd Down: Nobles happy to be out of the San Antonio League.
3rd Down: Hernandez chomping at the bit. How will he feel in November?
4th Down: Patrick Miranda got his feet wet at back last year; will jump all the way in this year.
Game Plan: Just remember, playing football is fun!
Non League Schedule: at Diamond Bar, Garey, Ontario, South El Monte.
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7.) Northview Vikings
Head Coach: Marcel Perez
Staff: Maurice Arrington OC, Dominic Angelo, Joey Mastersimone, Hector Corona, Moe Cortez, Scott Mecias, Todd Boobert, David Ochoa, Chris Aleman, Chris Lopez, Christian Brito
Last Year: 1-9
Last 5 Years: 26-28 overall, 14-11 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2008 Second Round: Lost Paraclete 14-0
1st Round: Marcel Perez takes the coaching reins from Jim Arellanes. Can Vikes recover from nine loss season?
2nd Down: Marcus Ellis was catching everything in the spring.
3rd Down: Marquise Thomas (over 600 yards in ’09) should be the workhorse in the backfield.
4th Down: Senior Martin Arredondo returns at quarterback.
Game Plan: It’s always tough for a first year coach-especially coming off a 1-9 year. Perez knows the program and the kids are familiar but it may take awhile for Northview.
Non League Schedule: El Rancho, at La Puente, Chino, at Walnut.
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