MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Peterson

The Lakers have won nine of their last ten, The United States is in the World Baseball Classic Championship and the Dodgers are set for Opening Day next week. So of course it’s time to talk about High School football.

Did you know that Crescenta Valley has never gone outside the school to hire a head football coach? It looked like it may happen this year when Hudson Gossard stepped down but Paul Schilling, who was the head coach before Gossard and was serving as the Athletic Director, stepped in to take over.

“That’s one of the reasons why I took the job. We had never gone outside the school to hire a head football coach and I wanted to keep that tradition going,” Schilling said.

Jacob Gallegos transferring to South Hills is a tough loss for San Dimas. Gallegos led the team in rushing last season with 1,668 yards and 16 touchdowns. Look for Keenan Hoyt, who ran for 850 yards and eight touchdowns last year, to take on an even bigger role. Although it is a loss San Dimas is known to pick it right up and not miss a beat – especially with a vaunted running attack.

Next on the agenda for the Saints though is getting a head coach in place. Dylan O’Leary’s name has been rising to the surface.

So that’s what Charter Oak head coach Dominic Farrar was talking about. When I asked him who was going to replace Corin Berry at quarterback a few weeks ago he insinuated that something (someone) was coming but I couldn’t pry a name out of him. Monday two quarterbacks transferred in and they’re brothers to boot! Dutch Burbidge, who threw for over 2,900 yards last year and won a CIF championship for Pasadena in 2024 transferred in as well as his brother Cade Burbidge. Cade stepped in for the injured Travis Lippert last season as a freshman at Bonita and did a solid job. If all goes as planned the Chargers are set at quarterback for the next three years. That would explain Farrar’s smile.

Note: The Charter Oak Tournament is set for Saturday May 16th.

What about Bonita? Not too worried about it. When Daniel Mielke transferred to Ontario Christian a couple years ago head coach Steve Bogan plugged in Travis Lippert who has been terrific. Lippert is graduating this year but the Bogan will find a way. He always does.

Ran into Maranatha head coach Rand Holdren at the National Football Foundation banquet last week. The Minutemen could use some linemen but they are set at quarterback. Another Berry, Cooper Berry, is back for another year. Berry threw for 2,669 yards last year and 27 touchdowns. I also like George Pamilton (Pamilton not Hamilton) running the ball.

Berry has the right guy in Holdren to coach him up at quarterback. Last year before a Maranatha game I stood on the sidelines and watched Holdren firing 50-yard dimes down the field to receivers in stride. Quick release, perfect form and the footwork was there. He then proceeded to tell me that he had played quarterback before at a high level. Gee ya think? I’m just wondering with the current state of college football, does Holdren has any eligibility left?

Saw La Canada head coach Dave Avramovich at the banquet as well. I like what he has done with the program. The Spartans are coming off of a 10-2 season and a trip to the playoffs. I like their 2026 schedule with matchups against South Pasadena, St. Francis and Schurr in consecutive weeks. But there’s one team missing on the docket- Maranatha. The schools are right down the freeway from each other and both programs are on the rise. Great local matchup. Plus, I wanted to see Holdren hit Avramovich in the endzone with a 50-yard strike in the endzone for a touchdown before the game.

Muir quarterback Trey Gamble (our 2025 MVP) will play football at Southwest College next season. He’s a talented kid that has all the tools and seems destined for even bigger things. This is a good spot for him. Southwest has a solid coaching staff and a innovative offensive coordinator.

“After a lot of prayer and seeking God’s direction I’m excited to announce that I’m officially committing to Southwest College in Los Angeles,” Gamble posted on (Twitter X). “Grateful for the opportunity, ready to put in the work and trusting the path that he’s laid out.” He’s ready to go.

The 3rd and Long Spring League begins Saturday March 28th at Baldwin Park and St. Francis. Yes both schools are hosting. One team recently dropped out and there is still one spot available. Cost is $350 and it’s a first come, first serve basis, If interested contact Baldwin Park head coach Robert Maxie on Twitter (X) or through the school.

I’ll also be contacting Coach Maxie on the 28th to see if there is still one available – a breakfast burrito.

That’s my principle.

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