MidValleySports.Com

Bulldogs make a big leap in the Top 20. Photo by Anne Cypress

Last week prior to Week Three games, the Mid Valley Sports show talked about buying and selling stock in a team. With that in mind we take a look at the Top 20 differently this week. Do you buy stock in West Covina? Is Diamond Bar for real? Is it time to stop making excuses for La Mirada? Most importantly can Bonita really be this good?

1. Bonita (4-0) – Everyone in La Verne believes that the Bearcats can continue their ascent. Podley will have to make a decision on a quarterback after a bye week. (Keep)

2. West Covina (3-1) – All defenses know what the Bulldogs will do and still can’t stop them. Week Zero loss was a learning experience. (Buy)

3. Norwalk (2-2) – Tough early schedule has benefitted the Lancers confidence heading into the Suburban League. Elijhaa Penny is getting healthy at the right time. (Buy)

4. Rowland (3-1) – After averaging 41 points in three wins, put up 21 against Claremont and lost on the road. Can’t get caught looking ahead to October 8. (Sell)

5. Muir (1-2) – Bye week came at the best time as Mustangs MASH unit should be down to a triage center with Burbank looming. Two tough losses have them ready for league. (Buy)

6. Burbank (2-1) – Good news for Bulldog fans is 30 points per game average. Bad news is the 37 points per game given up by the defense. (Sell)

7. Diamond Bar (4-0) – Wins are wins. Especially for a program that had five wins in two previous seasons. Brahmas loving life in the Hacienda. (Keep)

8. La Serna (3-1) – Had no business winning against La Mirada, so most pundits said. That is why they play the games and upsets happen. Lancers will be tough in Del Rio. (Buy)

9. El Rancho (3-1) – Good bounce back-win against Almont League’s Montebello. Get a week off before facing Fontana. (Keep)

10. Walnut (2-1) – Win a thriller and offense finally gets on track by posting 49 points. Next two weeks will tell how good Mustangs really are with West Covina and Diamond Ranch. (Sell)

11. Crescenta Valley (2-1) – Good comeback win against defensive La Canada. Marro Lee is making defenses think run first, instead of pass. (Buy)

12. Arcadia (1-2) – Was there any question this team could put up some points. Now must get off to a good start in Pacific League play. (Keep)

13. Diamond Ranch (1-3) – Finally get a “W” after two heartbreaking losses. Could easily have been 3-1 heading into league if not for growing pains. (Buy)

14. Santa Fe (1-2) – So much for defense being their strength as Esperanza put up 21 points. Could there be a quarterback controversy brewing in Chief Nation? (Sell)

15. La Mirada (1-3) – Shouldn’t have been on the losing end of La Serna game as they were up 11 points late in the game. Must revert back to Championship form. (Sell)

16. Burroughs (0-3) – Must have been happy to see a bye week after three tough weeks playing against Santa Clarita teams. Get Hoover to open up league. (Keep)

17. Mayfair (1-3) – Dominque Small ran for three scores in Monsoons first win of the year. Suburban League play begins with tough Norwalk. (Sell)

18. Bellflower (3-1) – Shocking Buccaneers bounce back with win against Troy. Should be 1-0 in Suburban before facing Norwalk. (Keep)

19. Pasadena (1-3) – Bulldogs got well quick with win against undersized La Salle. Could they upset Arcadia for second straight season? (Sell)

20. Hoover (1-2) – As we like to say at the Mid, “Hoover drives the boat, chief”. Pule and Company are offensively impressive, not so much defensively. (Sell)