MidValleySports.Com

All kickoffs are at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated:

Thursday August 17

Muir (0-0) at Northview (0-0) (Covina District Field)

Last year this was a defensive battle with Northview shutting out Muir 10-0. The Mustangs didn’t have quarterback Brandon Valencia then. They do now. They also have a big-time receiver in Issaiah Blades. Northview has a new quarterback as well with Erik Jimenez taking over behind center. The Vikings will try to establish the ground game too with Angel Barraza. Don’t look for either team to get shut out but Northview has enough to get it done.

Northview 24 Muir 17

Friday August 18

Alta Loma (0-0) at West Covina (0-0)

West Covina fell to Alta Loma last year 20-13 in the opener but they’re looking to turn that around this year. Chris Perez will start at quarterback but as usual the Bulldogs will make their hay on the ground. Look for Zander Requena and Adrien Munoz to pound the rock. If they can establish the running attack early they should be able to wear Alta Loma down. West Co opens with a W.

West Covina 21 Alta Loma 14

Arcadia (0-0) at San Marino (0-0)

Nice local matchup to kick off the 2023 campaign. San Marino should be able to put some points on the board with talented receivers Mikey Yessian and Ryan Park. Or they may pound it behind big Mitch Mooney, son of former Temple City/ San Marino HC Mike Mooney. Arcadia is coming off of a 2-8 season but should be improved with Keyon Mills returning at quarterback as well as athlete Bryce Maldonado. The Apaches may give the Titans fits at times but San Marino finds a way to win.

San Marino 24 Arcadia 21

Bonita (0-0) at Monrovia (0-0)

This was a shootout last year. Could be more of the same this year. Monrovia should be explosive offensively with weapons like quarterback Brian Salazar and receiver Noah Ellison. Bonita has a talented receiving corp of its own led by Ryder Cadam. One Daniel (Andrade) graduated and will be replaced by another Daniel (Mielke) at quarterback. If the Bearcats can make a couple more stops than they did last year they’ll be fine. Bonita comes out on top and spoils the coaching debut of Monrovia’s Jose Casagran.

Bonita 34 Monrovia 27

California (0-0) at Covina (0-0) (Covina District Field)

With another year under his belt Covina quarterback Jake Duronslet will only get better. He makes the Colts offense go. Cal’s problem is playing in the same league with La Serna and El Rancho. The Condors have an explosive receiver in Jeremiah Johnson and a quarterback Daniel Torres who can get him the ball. Cal will give the Colts a run but in the fourth quarter Covina runs away. The home field and the Colts’ talent prevails.

Covina 28 California 17

Montebello (0-0) at Baldwin Park (0-0)

Baldwin Park, like Don Lugo, has been the hot topic this summer. Robert Maxie is now running the show and he has plenty of players to work with. Jacob Garcia, who transferred in from Cantwell will be at quarterback and has looked good this summer. Elvis is in the building, Diaz that is and will be one of Garcia’s favorite targets. When the Braves do stay on the ground Corey Lacy will tote the rock. Hard to see BP losing at home in its first game. Montebello will win its share of games but Baldwin Park gets this one. The Braves also beat the Oilers last year 35-21.

Baldwin Park 38 Montebello 14

Fullerton (0-0) at San Dimas (0-0)

What will San Dimas do? What does San Dimas always do? The Saints will run the ball and then run some more. And if the defense figures it out, they’ll run it again. Despite San Dimas head coach Mark Holman saying this summer that the Saints will run a spread offense, don’t believe it. He was kidding right? Caleb Marquecho, Julian Vigil and Brian Jackson all return and will see plenty of time hauling the pigskin. Last year San Dimas routed Fullerton 33-6. expect more of the same to kick off this season. San Dimas runs over Fullerton.

San Dimas 35 Fullerton 13

El Rancho (0-0) at Don Lugo (0-0)

Don Lugo has been the talk of the summer. Receiver Gavin Hrynezuk is arguably one of the best receivers in the area and quarterback Kaleb Pacheco is looking to have a big year as well. El Rancho will be playing all of its games on the road this year. This will be a tough place to start the season. El Rancho will tough it out for awhile. But in the end Don Lugo’s talent will be too much. Conquistadors get the win in head coach Josh Knight’s debut.

Don Lugo 31 El Rancho 24

Quick Hits

Arroyo at Kaiser – Kaiser

Colony at Ayala – Colony

Glendora at Chino Hills – Glendora

Pasadena at La Serna – La Serna

Rosemead at La Canada – La Canada

Schurr at South Pasadena – Schurr

Sierra Vista at Bell Gardens – Sierra Vista

South El Monte at Alhambra – Alhambra

Temecula at Charter Oak – Charter Oak

Cantwell at Village Christian (Glendale College) – Village Christian

Esperanza at Diamond Bar – (Thursday) – Diamond Bar

Mt. View at Keppel (Thursday) – Mt. View