MidValleySports.Com

All Kick-Offs are 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted

Friday November 15

Mid-Valley Division     

Sierra Canyon (5-5) at Monrovia (9-1)    

It’s not really the match-up Monrovia wanted. The Wildcats thought they might get an at large Baldwin Park or a third place Gabrielino. Sierra Canyon is a third place team but not a bad third place team. However the Trailblazers are 5-5 and so here they are. But regardless of who they get the Cats won’t be upset in the first round. They’re too talented and too deep. They might not drop fifty but they’ll win.

Monrovia 35 Sierra Canyon 14     

Northview (8-2) at Montebello (7-3)

Maybe the best opening round game. Both teams are physical and can play defense. They both can run the ball and control the clock. It will come down to who can make the big play. The Vikings are riding a three game win streak while the Oilers haven’t lost since September winning six in a row. It’s a toss up but Northview wins a physical battle.

Northview 21 Montebello 17        

 

Rosemead (8-2) at Pomona (9-1)     

The Red Devils were exposed a little bit in a 49-6 pounding by San Dimas. Pomona is athletic, can score and is dangerous at times. Rosemead played Arroyo until the bitter end. The Panthers defense gave up a couple of big plays, but held up against a potent Knights offense. If they can run the ball and keep Pomona off the field they’ll be in good shape. The Panthers might be too physical for Pomona. Rosemead comes out on top.

Rosemead 24 Pomona 20  

 

Baldwin Park (7-3) at Arroyo (9-1)

With Michael Moran throwing the ball all over the place and Raymen Barraza catching everything in sight Baldwin Park can score. There’s just one problem. The Braves have trouble stopping people. They gave up 70 to San Dimas, 61 to Pomona and 42 to Northview. Even Covina hit them with 34 in a loss. Arroyo is riding a nine game winning streak. The Knights can throw it and run it and to top it off, they’re playing some defense. BP might give Arroyo an occasional scare, but the Knights get it done. Arroyo advances.

Arroyo 35 Baldwin Park 21 

 

Quick Hits

La Canada (5-5) at Paraclete (6-4) – Paraclete       

Gabrielino (7-3) at San Dimas (6-4) – San Dimas 

Bell Gardens (7-3) at San Marino (8-2) – San Marino  

Schurr (5-5) at Viewpoint (8-2) – Viewpoint

 

Southeast Division  

Paramount (7-3) at Los Altos (8-2) 

Tough opening round game for Los Altos. Paramount is a team that beat CIF defending champion Downey. The Pirates, however, are all over the place at times. They didn’t look good in a 12 point loss to Dominguez. Los Altos stumbled only twice all year falling to league champion Diamond Ranch and also coming up short against Bonita. They did win the games they had to including a season finale victory over West Covina that clinched a playoff spot. Defense and a ground game can win championships and Los Altos does those things well. This one could come down to a kick in the fourth quarter. Los Altos wins at home.

Los Altos 27 Paramount 24            

 

La Mirada (4-6) at Muir (9-1)  

Probably not what the Mustangs expected after going 9-1 and winning a Pacific League title. La Mirada has been disappointing and did lose their quarterback Kevin Dillman for the year with an ACL injury. But make no mistake, the Matadores are dangerous. They came up only a touchdown short against Norwalk. Muir makes big plays. A tie game can turn into a 21 point Mustang lead in a matter of minutes. If La Mirada turns the ball over, like it has been known to do, it could be a long night. Muir jumps out early and maintains the lead throughout. Mustangs move on.

Muir 31 La Mirada 28           

 

Diamond Bar (6-4) at Downey (6-4)  

After everything that has happened, the brawl, the forfeit, the disappointing loss to Diamond Ranch, Diamond Bar is where it wants to be. The Brahmas are in the first round of the playoffs with a shot to knock off the defending CIF champs. Downey won the San Gabriel Valley League title (via a coin flip) – and is healthy and ready for the post season. The Vikings lost four games but if you take a look at their schedule (especially non-league) it’s just this side of the SEC. Beating Downey is a tall order for Diamond Bar. If D-Bar can survive this one Antonio “Noodles” Hull would be eligible in the second round. The Brahmas will come close but Downey’s experience and physicality is too much. Vikes are victorious.

Downey 30 Diamond Bar 21       

 

Mayfair (5-5) at Burbank (8-2)

Mayfair is the surprise of the Suburban beating La Mirada and falling just five points short to Norwalk.  Burbank is still smarting over the two Pacific League losses. The Bulldogs lost by one point to Crescenta Valley in OT and a by a touchdown to Muir. James Williams will be a load for Mayfair to handle. A home crowd and a solid running attack with Williams should carry the Bank. Burbank wins a tough one.

Burbank 27 Mayfair 20           

Quick Hits

West Covina (5-5) at Norwalk (10-0) at La Mirada – Norwalk 

El Rancho (6-4) at Dominguez (7-3) – Dominguez

Burroughs (6-4) at La Serna (8-2) – La Serna

Santa Fe (6-4) at Diamond Ranch (9-1) – Diamond Ranch

 

 

Northwest Division  

Valley Christian (4-6) at La Puente (7-3)  

Valley Christian’s only league loss was to Olympic League champion Maranatha. The Crusaders surprised Whittier Christian and routed Village. La Puente finished in a three-way tie for second in the Montview. After beating Azusa, they survived close calls with Workman and Gladstone to finish the season. Valley has improved as the season has progressed. They struggled early before winning three of four in league. La Puente has had to deal with injuries specifically to quarterback Jacob Tovar. Valley Christian has enough to advance.

Valley Christian 28 La Puente 14          

Carpenteria (7-3) at La Salle (8-2)     

This is a lot like last year’s playoff game for La Salle. The Lancers were riding on the high of a 10-0 season and had a first round playoff game at home, only to get knocked off by Centennial Compton 12-10. Now the Lancers again have a home game in the first round after rolling through a perfect Del Rey League season only to come up against a solid Tri-Valley League team. Carpenteria is a team that in any other Northwest league would have been champions. The Warriors lost to powerful Oak Park by only a touchdown. La Salle gets disappointed again.

Carpenteria 21 La Salle 14    

 

 

Duarte (6-4) at Maranatha (8-2)

Great Northwest Division first round battle. Both teams are explosive. Duarte was three points away from an undefeated Montview League run. The Minutemen struggled to early season wins over MVL opponents Mt. View and South El Monte but really settled in an undefeated Olympic League run. It should be a shootout but Jude Oliva, Eli Snyder and Maranatha have the weapons to outgun the Falcons. Plus it’s at the bounce and pounce. Maranatha at home walks off a winner.

Maranatha 38 Duarte 31

 

Quick Hits

Bishop Montgomery (5-4) at Oak Park (9-1) – Oak Park      

Santa Paula (5-5) at El Segundo (7-3) – El Segundo      

Bishop Diego (8-2) at North Torrance (6-4) – Bishop Diego     

Torrance (4-6) at Azusa (8-2) – Azusa    

Verbum Dei  (7-3) at Nordhoff (9-1) – Nordhoff