MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Peterson

That’s the way a passing Tournament should be run. The Lou Farrar Memorial Super 7 v 7 Charter Oak Tournament was run to near perfection Saturday.

There were 24 teams scheduled to participate with the first game scheduled for 8:00 a.m. And the first games went off exactly at 8:00 a.m. No delays, no interruptions…games were promptly underway at eight. The first break, which usually comes about noon, started at 10:00 and at 11:15 the teams were back in action.

The championship game was scheduled for 1:00 and shortly after 1:00 it was underway. Charter Oak beat Rancho Cucamonga to win the tournament and Los Osos beat Nogales to win the Silver Bracket. Plaques were passed out, congratulations were shared and by 1:45 the whole thing was done. Heck I was home having a cold one, Pepsi of course, by 2:15.

I can remember too many times trudging out of a passing tournament at 5:00 after spending eight hours covering the action. This one was over and out in six hours (five not counting the break) and you still had the rest of your Saturday to relax.

Your favorite team may not have won and you may not have liked all of the officials calls but as far as organized, well run, efficient and on point, the Charter Oak Tournament was exactly that.

Ok, so the tournament was organized but who did what? Bishop Amat, who made it to the semis, looked like a different team. Quarterback Brayden Wann transferred in from Etiwanda and is ready to lead the Lancers back. He has good size, a big arm and great accuracy. He rarely missed a throw. He had plenty of targets to throw to and the offense looked dangerous. But it wasn’t just the talent that was on display. There seemed to be a new energy at Bishop Amat. Everybody was involved, engaged and focused. Sometimes a change is needed, a new voice needs to be heard. First year head coach Kory Minor, an Amat alum, is that new voice. And so far that voice, and that energy, is being seen and heard.

Speaking of energy, I had a great conversation with new Schurr head coach Austin Montoya. He exudes energy and is chomping at the bit to get started. The Spartans are still working through a couple of options at quarterback but are set at several other positions. Schurr has lost in the first round of the playoffs the last three years. Schurr hopefully has found a way to remedy that. This year the Spartans have a loaded non-league schedule that features Rio Hondo Prep, La Serna and Bonita that will help get them ready for the rigors of the playoffs.

“These games will prepare us for post season,” Montoya said.

While Schurr is working through their quarterback situation La Serna has two in the room. Grady Long, who finished last year as the starter, is back as is Jordan Bonilla who started earlier in the season. Long was there Saturday but didn’t play because he’s still playing baseball and they’re currently in the playoffs. Bonilla did play and looked good for the Lancers. Andy George will still have a decision to make. It could be a tough decision but it’s a good problem to have.

St. Francis is set at quarterback with Shawn Sanders. He’s a talented kid who may be the most respectful high school player I’ve ever met. It was yes sir, no sir and thank you sir in the brief exchange I had with him. And before he left for the day he thanked me for coming. Are the Golden Knights poised for a great year? Yes sir!

I think I need to add another quarterback to our poll. Pasadena’s Dutch Burbidge is going to do some good things. Second time I’ve seen him this year and the kid can play. He never seemed to get flustered and is always in control. The Bulldogs, fresh off a CIF championship, should make some noise in the Pacific.

Nogales quarterback Santino Garcia looks like one of the top quarterbacks in the area. He makes all the throws and was impressive Saturday. The Nobles could be a problem.

How did Charter Oak look? Well, they won the tournament and they have Corin Berry behind center so that tells you something. DJ Huff and Berry had a connection all day and receiver Antonio Reasby looks better every time he hits the field. Yeah I know. We always hear the old adage that passing league doesn’t always relate to success when the helmet and pads come on. But the Chargers, with the talent they have, love where they’re at right now.

It was a perfect day overall. Even the weather cooperated. There was plenty of competition and a wealth of elite athletes from the SGV and beyond. And they were all on their way home by 2:00 p.m.

That’s my principle.

Tim can be reached at tim.midvalleysports@gmail.com or on Twitter (X) @tspeterson40. Facebook-Tim Peterson.