MidValleySports.Com

By “Big Tony” Solorzano

Well, it’s finally here – the Month of September, and like everywhere, it’s time for some Friday Night Lights. The 2010 Del Rio League is going to be nothing if not exciting.

Already, Santa Fe and La Serna were given Top 10 rankings in the latest CIF southern Section Pre-season poll for the Southeast Division, but of course, all the focus is on the Suburban League’s debut in the new four-league Division, with La Mirada sitting atop the rankings in the pre-season poll. So let’s take a look at what to expect this week in Southeast Football.

Please Note: None of the Southeast Division schools already mentioned in the “Game Night” article will be featured here.

Edison at Artesia

MATCHUP: Artesia never does anything easy, not their schedule, not their academics, nothing. So going up against a Powerhouse like Edison (yes, I get the pun) is a veritable Bambi meets Godzilla as they open up against the Pac-5 Runner Up. The Chargers are hoping for another sweep of the regular season en route to the Pac-5 Title game and a possible rematch with 2009 champ Servite.

Prediction: Edison 35, Artesia 7

Chino Hills vs. Mayfair at Bellflower High

MATCHUP: The Monsoons managed to blow their way into the Playoffs with a third place finish in the Suburban League last year and a first-round appearance in the Southern Division playoffs, but their sights are set higher now that they’re part of the Southeast. The Huskies will prove a tough opening opponent, much like most of the teams in the Inland Division. The Sierra League Co-champs will be relying on Seniors Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (RB) and Nate Harris (WR) to get them back into the Playoffs.

Prediction: Chino Hills 24, Mayfair 13

Santa Ana Valley vs. Glenn at Excelsior Adult School (Norwalk)

MATCHUP: Glenn got to perform it’s version of the Haka five times last season, including a victory over Pioneer at Titan Stadium, but only one of those victory dances came against a team in the Suburban League, a 35-29 squeaker over Cerritos and the 1-5 league record left them tied for fifth in the league. This year they’re hoping for a winning year. The Falcons on the other hand, rode a four-game win streak to end in a three way tie for the Orange League championship. However, they lost last year’s season opener to Glenn and are going to be looking for revenge.

Prediction: Santa Ana Valley 31, Glenn 28

Gabrielino vs. Cerritos at Gahr High (Cerritos)

MATCHUP: The Eagles are looking for redemption after last year’s 3-7 record in the Mission Valley League. But there’s no better way to start off right than by taking on a team that was devastated by the rest of the Suburban League who’s only win came at the hands of fellow bottom dweller Artesia. Even a blind squirrel finds a few nuts, and this will be a good win for Gabby

Prediction: Gabrielino 21, Cerritos 10

St. Paul at La Mirada

MATCHUP: The Swordsmen are still reeling from a potentially devastating hazing scandal that briefly sidelined long time coach Marijon Ancich last month. However, if the Swordsmen are going to make a splash before they hit their Mission League Schedule, what better way than by taking on the former Southern Division champs. Matadors head coach Mike Moschetti will be itching to make an early statement in a new division, especially with Freeway League monster La Habra and Del Rio perennial contenders Cal High and La Serna on deck over the following three weeks.

Prediction: La Mirada 24 St. Paul 17

Bellflower at Montebello

The Oilers are coming off one of their worst years in the Almont League, with a win over Keppel keeping them from the cellar in the Almont. Coach Pete Gonzalez will begin the comeback of the Oilers against the Buccaneers. The Bucs, on the other hand, managed to hold on to a .500 Suburban League record to barely reach the Southern Division Playoffs last year. Both Teams are looking for redemption and it’s a toss up to predict a winner.

Prediction: Montebello 21, Bellflower 20

La Serna vs. Chula Vista Bonita Vista at Southwestern College (Chula Vista)

MATCHUP: Last year, everything that could have gone wrong for Margarito Beltran’s Lancers did go wrong as evidenced by the 3-7 cratering of their season after 2008’s playoff run. So to start out the season, the Lancers are taking a trip down by Coronado Bay as they battle the Barons, part of the San Diego Section’s Division II, Metro-Mesa League. Jake Houts and Andrew Rosales are two of Beltran’s 15 returning starters on both sides of the ball. Stay tuned to see if this is a positive first step for the Lancers

Prediction: La Serna 31, Bonita Vista 28

Nogales at Diamond Bar

MATCHUP: Last season, the traditionally strong Brahmas felt more like ground round in the Hacienda League, going 1-9 overall and 1-4 in league – a 34-17 win over Chino their only saving grace from an 0-10 season. Nogales has joined the Valle Vista league after struggling in the San Antonio. The Brahmas look bullish in this matchup.

Prediction: Diamond Bar 27, Nogales 3

Diamond Ranch vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College (Mission Viejo)

MATCHUP: Last Season, the Panthers were the Comeback Kids of the Southeast, sending home in succession,  former Champion Schurr, then San Antonio powerhouse South Hills in two major upsets before finally falling to Charter Oak in the Finals.  So how does head Coach Roddy Layton decide to test his Panthers? Oh, by opening the season against Santa Margarita. But these aren’t the Eagles of previous years, not after an 0-5 Trinity League season and an off-season that looked more like a soap opera than high school Football. Add to that the recent revelation that head coach Harry Welch is battling cancer and this is going to be a donnybrook.

Prediction: Diamond Ranch 33, Santa Margarita 27

Burbank at Warren

It’s always something with the Bears, who rolled through the San Gabriel Valley League undefeated and have a potent offense in returning seniors Sam Bettencourt (QB) and Jamil Magee (RB). The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were only nine points shy of a perfect season, and made it to the quarters where they were literally run over by Terris Jones and the Cal High condors. But like Warren, Burbank has its starting QB and running back, seniors Adam Colman and Ulises Ochoa, ready to roll to another playoff berth.

Prediction: Burbank 28, Warren 27

Burbank Burroughs vs. Saugus at College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita)

MATCHUP: Like their crosstown rivals, The Indians also were just a couple wins short of a perfect regular season, however, those losses were not as close as Burbank’s. Add to that, they were shown the door by Diamond Ranch in the first round. This year, the Indians are looking for get off on the right foot, taking on a Centurions team that finished tied for third in the Foothill League. However, the Indians need to be solid as there are two other Foothill monsters waiting in the wings, Hart and Canyon

Prediction: Burroughs 31, Saugus 17

 LA Westchester at Pasadena

MATCHUP: The other Bulldogs of the Pacific League had a respectable .500 season last year, handing Burbank their only loss in the Pacific last year in a four-point upset. Although they compete in the City Section’s Western League, the Comets will be a contender in Division I of the Section, provided they don’t end up in the same bracket as the defending Division I champion Crenshaw Cougars. Westchester is one of four tough non-league opponents Coach Randy Horton has lined up for his Bulldogs.

Prediction: Westchester 21, Pasadena 17

NEXT WEEK: WEEK 1

The Del Rio League finally goes full tilt as all six teams go up on the board.