MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Peterson

After a passing league tournament the first question you hear is ”How did they look?” This question is usually followed by a statement – “Passing leagues don’t mean anything.” Saturday was the annual throw at Charter Oak. So here we go.

Bishop Amat doesn’t typically win passing league tournaments. Heck a couple of weeks ago Amat sent their JV team to the Baldwin Park Tourney. But then again they don’t mean anything right? Well, it looked like it meant something Saturday at Charter Oak. Some of the games throughout the day were intense. Bishop Amat beat Muir in a highly competitive contest. Amat pulled it out as Muir was scurrying up to the line to run a play as time expired. You would have had a hard time convincing me that it meant nothing to those kids on the field.

It meant something to Bishop Amat as it won the whole thing. The Lancers beat Tustin in the Final with a lockdown defense that stymied a talented Tillers squad. Quarterback Dylan D’Epifanio led the way and was impressive throughout. D’Epifanio, a transfer from Northwood, continually found his receivers and was able to deliver strikes.

Receiver/running back Justin Cinton, D’Epifanio’s favorite target, had a big day. It seemed like every time we looked up he was celebrating in the endzone. Head Coach Kory Minor has brought a spark to his team that was evident last season in his first year. How did they look? Good…real good.

Baldwin Park, who fell to Tustin and Charter Oak, who came up short against Bishop Amat, both made it to the semi-finals. Baldwin Park, led by quarterback Lequand “Jack Jack” Jackson is looking to have a big year. The Braves, (they’re still the Braves for now) played well and had a shot to advance to the Final before falling to Tustin. “I’m happy with the way we played. Look at the Final Four teams – Bishop Amat, Tustin, Charter Oak and then us, Baldwin Park. I’ll take that,” said Baldwin Park head coach Robert Maxie.

Don’t look for BP in Division 11 this year. You should be able to find them in 5 or 6.

Overheard on the sidelines by a well-connected observer at Charter Oak: “Man this “Jack Jack” kid is better than I thought. He’s a D1 guy. Throws like a young Michael Vick.”

Charter Oak quarterback Dutch Burbidge transferred in from Pasadena and as of right now he is the starter for the Chargers. And he looked the part Saturday as he had a good day. But if the Chargers, for whatever reason, need to a make a change Jayden Rodriguez, who will be a sophomore this season, looks ready to step in. He played significant snaps during the tournament and made an impression. He was slated to be the guy before Burbidge transferred in and could ultimately play a big part in Charter Oak’s success.

Heard through the grapevine that Muir lost a few kids due to the coaching change. I didn’t see that. The Mustangs looked athletic, fast and talented. Quarterback Arthur Moreno is legit. They gave Amat all that it wanted.

Things are going to be different in San Dimas this year. There is a new head coach in Dylan O’Leary and a new offense as well. The Wing Z, Double Wing, Wing T, whatever you want to call it, is out and the Saints are going to be…wait for it…throwing the ball. And as of now San Dimas will be doing it with a freshman quarterback. It’s a lot to take in for a young quarterback but he’ll have the summer to get ready. The Saints advanced to the Consolation game where they fell to Mira Costa.

David Ramos is back at the helm for Schurr making it a smooth transition with Austin Montoya leaving to take the St. Paul job. The Spartans were young last year but they have everybody back including quarterback Jacob Torres, only a sophomore. Schurr should be fine.

South Hills has Fabian Marez returning at quarterback and he had good day Saturday. The Huskies were competitive in the tournament early on.

Maximus Fierro, cool name, made an impact for Alta Loma last season at quarterback as a freshman and is on a path for bigger and better things. Alta Loma beat a good South Hills team 35-7 Saturday. “We were up and down and didn’t travel our best players,” said Alta Loma head coach Tyler Perri. “A lot of young guys stepped up though and we able to beat South Hills and Paramount. We lost in OT in the first round. Fierro played really well.”

Some people don’t like Rowland’s “gold chains” tournament shirts. I think they’re kind of cool. If nothing else people will remember them. In football circles someone will ask “Hey who was it that had those gold chains on their shirts. And “Oh that was Rowland!” will be the reply. The Raiders went 10-0 last year in the regular season. With Citos Marinez at the helm they are making memories.

La Serna and St. Francis, two historically successful programs in the SGV, competed Saturday but didn’t make it to the big dance. Once the helmet and pads come on both will be ready to rock.

There were some great moments, some big wins and some tough losses. For nearly six hours the teams battled and competed for the Big Lou Charter Oak Passing Tournament Championship trophy presented by Charter Oak head coach Dominic Farrar at the end of the day. Bishop Amat was the last team standing.

But this is just shirts and shorts. Passing League. It doesn’t matter…or does it?

That’s my principle.

Tim can be reached at tim.midvalleysports@gmail.com or on Twitter (X) @tspeterson40. Facebook- Tim Peterson.