Andy Villanueva
Thursday September 23, 2010
La Mirada (1-2) vs. La Serna (2-1) (California HS)
Last Year: La Mirada 38-17
The Matadores last game before league play begins won’t be easy against the Lancers. After a tough couple weeks to start the season, La Mirada easily took care of California. Shane Blood looks to continue his improvement after last week’s 139 yard performance. Max Gama leads the ground game.
La Serna gets another tough test against a good Matadores defense. One-Two punch of O.J. Medina and Richard Alvarez racked up 250 yards running and Andrew Buenostro was effective with two touchdowns in the win Wilson-Long Beach last week.
La Mirada 24-21
***
Santa Fe (1-1) vs. Esperanza (1-2) (Valencia HS)
Justin Rincon needs to be more effective than his 43 yards passing last week if Santa Fe wants to compete with the Aztecs. The defense is not an issue for the Chiefs as Alex Mirola and Ernesto Ledesma intercepted the Bearcats twice in the loss. Santa Fe will have to stop the run as Esperanza will have a steady dose of handoffs.
Last week, the Aztecs were throttled by Charter Oak’s Travis Santiago who accounted for five passing touchdowns. Esperanza relies on a three-headed running attack with Austin Steele, Matt Sinclair and Mike Manubsan.
Esperanza 21-17
***
Quick Hits
California (0-2) vs. Sonora (3-0) (La Habra HS) – Sonora 27-14
Cerritos (0-2) vs. Rancho Alamitos (0-2) (Garden Grove HS) – Rancho Alamitos 10-7
Diamond Ranch (0-3) at Chaffey (1-2) – Diamond Ranch 21-10
***
Friday, September 24th
Arcadia (0-2) at Temple City (0-2)
Last Year: Tied 28-28
Since 2001 – Arcadia leads series 3-1-1
The Apaches are scary good despite their 0-2 record. Myles Carr threw for 393 yards in two games. Taylor Lagace was held in check last week against Monrovia with just two catches. Rodney Arnett needs to gain some yardage running to balance the passing game.
The Rams might have found a running back in Josh Simangunsong after his impressive night against Alhambra with 136 yards rushing. If quarterback Mikel Quintanilla can manage the game, Temple City can upset Arcadia.
Arcadia 28-24
***
Bonita (3-0) at Baldwin Park (0-3)
Last Meeting: 2001 Baldwin Park 13-7
The Bearcats have become two-dimensional on offense with a running game that is helped by a healthy passing attack. Greg Spathias faces another defense that will have their site set on sacking him. Reggie Turner and Giomani Johnson keep the Bearcats honest with their rushing. With Casey Horine still out, look for Matt Gelalich and Cameron Salce to be the main targets for Spathias.
This is not the way Baldwin Park envisioned going into Week Three, with three straight losses. Mario Rodriguez needs to show leadership under center to get the Braves believing they can win. Wardell Crutchfield III and Armando Montoya need to come up big if they want to top the high powered offense of Bonita.
Bonita 35-20
***
Covina (3-0) at Walnut (1-1)
Last Year: Walnut 31-27
Since 2001 – Walnut leads series 5-3
After Zero Week, it looked as though the Colts shocked the Bulldogs. Now it seems Covina is for real, with a blend of Billy Livingston and Gevontray Ainsworth. It is the best of both worlds with Livingston finding Vinny Venegas and Peter De la cruz. The run game is solid with Ainsworth and his speed. If he turns the corner it usually leads to six.
The Mustangs offense hasn’t hit on all cylinders in two games. Brandon Roach is still finding his footing at quarterback. The defense must rebound after a tough performance against Claremont. Aubrey Coleman needs to be a factor on offense.
Covina 28-21
***
Crescenta Valley (1-1) vs. La Canada (2-0) (Glendale HS)
Last Year: Crescenta Valley 38-35
Since 2001 – Crescenta Valley leads 7-2
Zac Wilkerson has had a great start at quarterback in two games for C.V. Nick Ruiz is his favorite target and can get open with regularity. Kevin Fernandez must be able to run the ball against a tough La Canada defensive front.
Defense can win games and keep it close. The Spartans rely heavily on a fierce ball-hawking defense that causes turnovers. When they are on offense a steady dose of Daleep Sandhu on the ground will get it done. Scott Gray is a capable quarterback that makes good decisions.
Crescenta Valley 21-17
***
Glendora (3-0) vs. West Covina (2-1) (Citrus College)
Last Year: West Covina 22-21
Chad Jeffries gets help from a good running back in Corey Victoria. The Tartans love to create turnovers that lead to points.
Pick your poison with the Bulldogs running attack. One week it is B.J. Lee, the next it’s Chris Soloman. Whoever gets the bulk of the carries, they must not make turnovers.
West Covina 28-21
***
Mayfair (0-3) at Valley Christian (1-2) 7:30pm
Evan Hunko has found a favorite target in Theo Chambers. Dominque Small against some good talent is running wild.
Ryan Fronke has struggled at quarterback with six interceptions. Darrell Bush is his go-to receiver. Lucas Young and Trevor Franklin share the load at running back.
Mayfair 28-14
***
Rowland (3-0) at Claremont (2-1)
The quick starting Raiders look to contain the passing attack of Daniel Kessler to be successful. Rowland quarterback has two good targets in Danny McMahan and Leonardo Freeman. Ervin Crawford can break a game open with his speed.
Rowland 42-28
***
Quick Hits
Sunny Hills (1-1) at Pioneer (1-1) – Sunny Hills 17-14
Roosevelt (2-1) vs. Whittier (0-2) (California HS) – Roosevelt 21-10
Artesia (0-2) at Gahr (2-1) – Gahr 35-0
Ayala (3-0) at Los Altos (0-3) – Ayala 35-7
Bellflower (2-1) vs. Troy (0-2) (Fullerton HS) – Troy 21-14
Brea Olinda (0-3) at Diamond Bar (3-0) – Diamond Bar 49-7
El Rancho (2-1) at Montebello (0-3) – El Rancho 28-7
Glendale (0-2) at South Pasadena (2-0) – South Pasadena 21-14
Glenn (0-3) vs. Cypress (2-0) (Western HS) – Cypress 49-0
Hoover (0-2) at Mountain View (1-1) – Hoover 21-14
Norwalk (1-2) vs. Morningside (1-2) (Excelsior Adult School) – Norwalk 35-21
Pasadena (0-2) at La Salle (0-3) – Pasadena 35-7
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