{"id":2367,"date":"2009-09-02T00:30:37","date_gmt":"2009-09-02T07:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/?p=2367"},"modified":"2009-09-02T13:38:20","modified_gmt":"2009-09-02T20:38:20","slug":"southeast-division-high-school-football-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/?p=2367","title":{"rendered":"Southeast Division High School Football Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>By Andy Villanueva<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>ALMONT LEAGUE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>ALHAMBRA<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach: Gil Ruedaflores <\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 The Moors return standout quarterback Darrian Cazarin and wide receiver Mitchell Crockom on the offensive side of the ball.\u00a0 The x-factor will be Vailele Peko who will be the primary running back. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>T\u00a0he loss of running back Daniel Imaa will be a factor but Alhambra will go with Peko and Brandon Wilson as their returning backs.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The Moors got no help from Almont League schedule makers as they face defending League Champions Schurr on the road, along with Montebello and San Gabriel before returning home for the final two games.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Alhambra could be in trouble after their three-game road trip and can easily be out of the playoff picture with two games left.\u00a0 Even though the road may be tough to hoe, Alhambra should return to the playoffs this year.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>BELL<\/strong><strong> GARDENS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach: David Ramos \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 BG is young and the Lancers will be asking Daniel Vargas to repeat last season&#8217;s statistics. That\u2019s a tough thing to do.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0With that said, they could easily start the league schedule 3-0 or 0-3 as they have their first three games at home.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Returning QB Josh Peraza will be a key factor if the Lancers can get a 2-1 start to league.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Lancers need to make sure they get by Montebello and Keppel if they aspire to make the playoffs as they face Alhambra and Schurr on the road.\u00a0 They may return to the playoffs but likely as the third-place team.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>KEPPEL <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach: Bobby Madrid<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Madrid has his work cut out for him with the Aztecs as they come into the 2009 season on a 37 game losing streak. If he can find a way to change the attitude of this team, they may get a couple of wins from a senior laden team.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Much heralded senior quarterback Evan Bachman returns to lead the offense for the Aztecs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>League wise it doesn&#8217;t look promising as Keppel begins with San Gabriel and Schurr. This is their best chance in the last few years to pick up a win. I just don&#8217;t see more than one.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>MONTEBELLO<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach Pete Gonzalez<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0 Huge question mark on how they will compete with the Matadors, Spartans and Moors.\u00a0 But with the attitude displayed during the Arroyo Shoot-out, a top three finish and playoff spot is not out of the question. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0What is even more pressing is who begins at the season at quarterback as three players are battling for the one spot. The only returnee at that position is Dylan Gomez.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0If the QB position struggles, look for Gonzalez to pound the ball on the ground with Marcus Owens and Alex Norriega.<\/p>\n<p><strong>SAN GABRIEL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach: Keith Jones \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 San Gabriel and Schurr are the class of the Almont and should battle it out for league supremacy.\u00a0 With senior quarterback Isaac Valdez returning, the sky is the limit. Look for more touches from junior running back Arthur Brown. Valdez will have a talented group of receivers who he will be able to throw to.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Defensively, Luis Villegas will be the stopper up the middle of the linebacking corp.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0They must stay focused and not look ahead when playing Alhambra and Montebello before going up against the Spartans. If they beat Schurr, crown them champs.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>SCHURR<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach Ben Negrete<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Spartans are defending Almont Champs and with good reason. They ran the table in league last season and will be hard-pressed not to repeat.<\/p>\n<p>Senior Nick Castillo will be back to carry the rock and take pressure off junior quarterback Aaron Cantu. When Cantu does drop back, he will be looking to connect with highly touted receiver Angel Sanchez.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The only real challenge appears to be a very athletic San Gabriel team and this year, Schurr must play the Mats on the road. No worse then second, but more than likely a repeat title winner.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0D<strong>EL RIO<\/strong><strong> LEAGUE\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>CALIFORNIA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach Jim Arnold<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 The Condors are rumored to have one of the best defenses in the Southeast division and they will get to prove it opening night against Rowland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0They were the favorites last year heading into the heart of the Del Rio League schedule only to drop games against La Serna and Santa Fe. This season they could be undefeated heading into the road game against the Chiefs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0California will rely heavily on senior running backs Terris Jones and Dudley Gamino.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0They say defense wins championships. Time will tell this year as the Condors need them to show up every week.\u00a0 A league title is within their grasp and they should finish no lower than second.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>EL RANCHO<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach: Rick Zepeda<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 There is good news for the Dons as they have renewed hope with a new season and returning a talented senior quarterback in Josh Perea.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Losing leading running back Marcus Galan to graduation doesn&#8217;t help the El Rancho offense, but Perea can fling the ball. Look for Hector Villalobos and Edgar Barrientos as Perea\u2019s main targets.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Don fans may see an improvement, but not enough to get to the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>LA SERNA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach: Margarito Beltran\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Last season it appeared that the Lancers were on their way to contend for the Southeast Division title only to get derailed by Santa Fe in league and then upset by Rowland.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The big question is at quarterback as Andrew Buenrostro is the only returning signal caller after Ben Burke left for college.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>La Serna may look to returning running back Michael Diaz to play some ball control and keep games close.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Not many answers on defense as they will have to find new leaders after losing Carlos Moyorqui and Louie Lozano.<\/p>\n<p>This may be a down year at La Serna, but they should have enough for a third place finish and a trip to the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>PIONEER <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach: Ramon Juarez <\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Titans might struggle this year but they do return quarterback Steven Del Villar.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Del Villar will need big games from his receiving corps led be Anthony Bolanos and Anthony Perales.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The Titans leading ground gainer Matt Botello, has moved on but picking up where he left off will be either Joey Ovida, Tony Botello or Kevin Hernandez.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Pioneer will have its work cut out for them if playoffs are to be reached.<\/p>\n<p><strong>SANTA FE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach: Jack Mahlstede<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 A very promising run deep into the playoffs was extinguished in the first round when Burbank upset the Chiefs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Quarterback Alex Flores returns with the memory of last season&#8217;s improbable defeat. He will be asked<\/p>\n<p>to lead a team despite the departure of 1.000 yard rusher Aaron Turner. Mahlstede can usually find a diamond in the rough at running back. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The defense is going to have an overhaul as leading tackler Adrian Lopez leaves after graduating last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0This team may have question marks, but they are minor compared to others in this league. The loss to Burbank will be haunting them until they get past the first round. Look for the Chiefs to be back in the mix in deciding the league champion.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>WHITTIER<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach: Walter Scott <\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0 The Cardinals have reason for excitement as they return running backs Alex Gonzalez and Christopher Barclay who both rushed for over 350 yards behind senior Daniel Enriquez.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Senior quarterback Daniel Viramontes returns to throw the ball when needed. When asked to pass, look for sure-handed wide receiver Gerardo De La O to be his main target.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0This team is the most seasoned of Del Rio league teams but a playoff berth is a good possibility.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>MIRAMONTE LEAGUE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>BONITA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Eric Podley <\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Gone are quarterback Terry Peradez, wide receivers Derrick Price, DeWayne Gatti, and Doug Griffith.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The spread offense for the Bearcats will be re-loaded with senior Evan Highley playing a big part along with running back Giamani Johnson and wide receiver Josh Yepez.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Third place is definitely a possibility in this league. Trying to beat Charter Oak and Los Altos on the road will be tough but Podley\u2019s Bearcats seems to have Diamond Ranch\u2019s number. A second or third place finish is well within reach.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>CHARTER OAK<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach Lou Farrar<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 This team is stacked! They lose gun slinging quarterback Chris Allen but the Chargers have three capable newcomers to replace him. No, Dan Fouts is not in the mix but right now it appears that Travis Santiago will get the nod to begin the season under center.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Returning are running backs Adam Muema and Brandon Golden. Muema took to the weight room seriously in the off-season- so much so that his own coaches had to dial him back. A stronger, faster Muema does not bode well for the rest of the Miramonte. Golden will spell Muema on occasion. Golden no doubt would be a featured back with any other team in the San Gabriel Valley.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Opponent\u2019s offenses need to be wary now that A.J. Powell has returned to his usual defensive back position. Powell will be back to putting the fear of God in receivers who dare to go over the middle and anywhere else in the secondary. Powell will also see some time on the other side of the ball at receiver.<\/p>\n<p>The question is not whether this team will win the Miramonte or Southeast division, but will the state CIF powers-that-be recognize the talent.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>DIAMOND RANCH<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Roddy Layton <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 The Panthers were built for a playoff push last season, and this year\u2019s non-league schedule seems to be a carbon copy of last years playoff drive.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Returning is quarterback Gus Viramontes who helped lead Diamond Ranch to the Southeast Division title game last year. Viramontes will be able to throw to wide receiver Brandon Taylor as he returns for his senior season.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Where the Panthers took their biggest hit was on defense as linebackers Kyle Lengyel and Brian Bonilla head to college.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Diamond Ranch will look for some payback after losing the Southeast Championship to league rival Charter Oak. That most likely won\u2019t be in the cards but finishing second to Charter Oak won\u2019t be a let down.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>LOS ALTOS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach Felipe Aguilar\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Last season was tough on Aguilar. The Conquerors should show marked improvement in the second year in Aguilar\u2019s system as he is ready to be out of the shadow of mentor Greg Gano.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Senior quarterback Justin Zamano won the job during spring ball and should have a great weapon in wide receiver Ryan Longoria.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On defense look for linebacker Andrew Yamakawa to end his career with a bang as he anchors a much improved defensive side.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0A return to prominence for Los Altos might still be a couple of years away, but look for a much improved Conqueror squad to have their eyes on a playoff birth.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>WILSON<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach Brian Zavala<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 The Greg Hoyd experiment lasted one miserable season and now it\u2019s time for smash-mouth defense with Zavala bringing his Dark Side Defense to the Miramonte.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Zavala will rely heavily on a run first and pass second offense. Moses Vega appears to be the leading candidate at running back and Aaron Gomez will more than likely guide the offense under center at quarterback.<\/p>\n<p>The leader on defense will be senior Brandon Gonzales whose five sacks will be a block on which Zavala will build upon.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0With Zavala, passion will never be questioned with the Wildcats. Look for an improvement from last season but a playoff spot might be just out of reach.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>PACIFIC LEAGUE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>ARCADIA<\/strong><strong>\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Jon Dimalante <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 The Apaches will miss the leadership of Todd Golper, but still have offensive stars in quarterback Garrett Tuck and sophomore running back David Maldanado.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Tuck will have wide receivers David Schuil and Taylor Legace opening things up on the outside.\u00a0 Legace has star potential and will present a deep threat for the Apaches.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Schuil will be a two-way threat as he was third on the team in tackles. Victor Wei will be a force on defense as well with his six sacks last season.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Last season was a struggle in Arcadia. Numbers were way down and the impact was seen on both sides of the ball. Too many players were forced to play both ways and it took its toll. The numbers for this year seem to be back to normal. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0It will be a long shot for Arcadia to finish on top in the Pacific, but odds favor Dimalante getting his Apaches back in the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>BURROUGHS <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Keith Knoop <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 It may be a long year for the Indians who must replace 2,000 rushing yards from the recently graduated Dominque Barnes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Running back Dalton Williams returns after getting some reps last season behind Barnes.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Returning to bark out the signals will be junior Lucas Yanez, who will be asked to lead a very young Burroughs offense.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Indians will battle for a final playoff spot and players returning from last year\u2019s team will be looking to erase the bitter taste left from last years one point loss to Rowland.<\/p>\n<p><strong>BURBANK<\/strong><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Hector Valencia\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Bulldogs lost quarterback Kevin Hunter to graduation and have Zach Wilke returning who only threw five passes all season.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The running game will be their main attack with seniors Sam Bethany and Leo Rodas making names for themselves in their final season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Returning players are playoff tested and have memories of last season&#8217;s upset victory of Santa Fe.\u00a0 Look for the Bulldogs to battle for second place this season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0C<\/strong><strong>RESCENTA<\/strong><strong> VALLEY<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach: Tony Zarrillo <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Gone is quarterback Karsen Reedy and now it\u2019s time for senior Kyle Cota to take over.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Cota will get help from returning running back Harrison Pessy who brings 678 yards in experience from last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mike Bako returns to add some experience on the wide receiving corp.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The Falcons only lost to Muir in the Pacific League and gave Charter Oak a battle for a half before falling in the second round. Look for another repeat of last season and if the stars align, an outside shot at winning the Pacific.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>GLENDALE<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach: Alan Eberhart <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Glendale was one of the big stories in the Pacific league with six wins, which was two more than they had in the past four years combined. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Nitros have senior quarterback Moises Chavez returning after passing for 1,865 yards last season.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Chavez will have a familiar face to throw to in Dillon Fuller who returns for his junior season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Making the playoffs will be no easy task for the Nitros. A top four finish will mean having to beat Arcadia and or Burbank or Burroughs. It\u2019s a long shot but Rafik Thorossian has these guys believing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>HOOVER<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach: Chris Long\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 The Tornadoes have no place to go after going winless for the second straight season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0On the upside, AJ Pule returns for his second straight season at quarterback. Pule looses his favorite receiver Adam Ochart to graduation and now must find a new partner to throw to.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Maybe Hoover will benefit as CIF looks to re-align in 2010.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>MUIR<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Ken Howard <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Even though this team lost a ton of starters, they have a boat load of talent coming back. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Senior quarterback Jarron Williams came on the scene last year allowing Reuben Thomas concentrate more on the defensive side of the ball. Williams will look to improve on the 1,600 yard, 15 touchdown season. But can he find any targets?<\/p>\n<p>Gone are Chris Dunlap, Myles Campbell, Tryee Mills and Thomas. Of course this is Muir we\u2019re talking about and the Mustangs never seem to have a shortage of skill guys.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Eddie Tripp will be the new running back behind and offensive line that may be the best Muir has ever had.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Last season they were derailed by Diamond Ranch in the first round of the playoffs. This season should see another Pacific League title and Howard won\u2019t be satisfied unless Muir is in the Southeast title game.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>PASADENA<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Mike McFarland<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 The Bulldogs have a new coach and new attitude in Pasadena. McFarland brings a ton of coach experience and a positive outlook.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Returning to run the rock is Dametre Clark and who saw some playing time last season behind J&#8217;Quan Hamilton. Nick Escoe will also get plenty of touches at the running back. Escoe has been impressive all summer.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The Question will be at quarterback with only senior Daren Orsbern returning from last season&#8217;s squad.<\/p>\n<p>In a couple of years McFarland will have this team competing at the top of the division. For now a few wins in league will be the ceiling.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>SAN ANTONIO<\/strong><strong> LEAGUE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>NOGALES<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach: Vito Saracino <\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Nobles have won 12 games in last five seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0This year Nogales will run, run and run some more. Look for Trent Murray and Timothy Guerra to carry the load for a very young team.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0That said, this team doesn&#8217;t figure to push the other four teams in the league. Two or three wins would be a good season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>ROWLAND<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Craig Snyder <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Probably the most talked about junior quarterback in the Southeast Division, athletic Michael Ball returns for his second season. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Keeping defenses honest last year was B.J. Stansell. Josh Ononughe spelled Stansell at running back last year and is the heir apparent.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Ball looses his favorite receiver in BJ Oyefeso but Snyder is expecting great things from Irvin Crawford as the new go to guy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0On defense, look for Louie Valdez to return and wreak havoc from the linebacker position. After nine sacks last season, opposing quarterbacks will be having nightmares before and after playing the Raiders.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0No doubt expectations are high after last season&#8217;s results. They were one or two plays from playing in the Southeast Division title game. The team might lack depth, but if they can stay healthy, Rowland may be in the league title mix.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>SOUTH HILLS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Coach: Steve Bogan<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 South Hills is not accustomed to sharing league titles. Last year West Covina, Rowland and South Hills had a piece but Bogan will look to put the Huskies alone at the top this year<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Brock Boothe\u00a0 has been in the system and will vie for job to replace Cameron Deen.\u00a0 Also in the mix will be Jacob Shirley. Shirley however sat out last season and it\u2019s yet to be determined if he is ready to lead the Huskies.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Whoever is quarterback will have a huge target in Ify Umodu. The receiving corps is stout with Umodu, tight end Dakota Behr and senior Geoffrey Vaughns as the main targets.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Jordan Gutierrez appears to be running back of choice in the event that Jordan Canada is not cleared to play. Miles Bevel is also a capable runner when called upon.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0This team is always going in the right direction and this year is no different. \u00a0Anything less than a league title is considered a disappointment. Could this be the year that the east San Gabriel Valley gets a showdown with South Hills and Charter Oak in the Southeast Championship game?<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>WALNUT <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Michael O\u2019Shields <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Is this the season the Mustangs crack the playoffs?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Last year every secondary in the San Antonio League dreaded the thought of having to take on Leonard Rhodes. This year will be even more dreadful and Rhodes returns bigger and badder. And, if that\u2019s not enough for a 150 pound cornerback to lose sleep over, Milan King is back as well.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas Peralta returns as the triggerman of the Mustang offense. Peralta threw for just under 1,000 yards last season and also 10 touchdowns. Rhodes, who else, was his favorite target coming out of the backfield.<\/p>\n<p>Last season, Walnut appeared on the cusp of breaking into the top three only to have their playoffs hopes squelched in crushing losses to South Hills and Rowland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0With three very talented players in Walnut, a playoff birth does not seem that far away. That however will require an upset over South Hills, Rowland or West Covina.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>WEST COVINA<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coach Mike Maggiore <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 Growing pains for quarterback George Johnson were almost gone as the Bulldogs entered league play.\u00a0 Johnson, now a seasoned veteran, will lead a West Covina team that last year knocked off perennial favorite South Hills.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Ricky Johnson solidified his standing as one of the areas best in 08\u2019-09\u2019. When Johnson wasn\u2019t leaving defenders in his wake, Jesse Ili was using his 6\u20191\u201d 220 pound frame to steamroll them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Maggiore\u2019s biggest challenge this season will be finding replacements for last years senior laded offensive line.\u00a0 Protecting George Johnson and opening holes for Ricky Johnson will have to be top priority.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0With key pieces of a team returning that grabbed a share of the San Antonio title last year, the Bulldogs have to like their chances again. South Hills will be looking for some payback for last year, but West Covina will be more than up to the challenge.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Andy Villanueva \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-high-school-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2367"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2367\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2369,"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2367\/revisions\/2369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/midvalleysports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}