MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Peterson

I kept hearing things about Rio Hondo Prep. “They aren’t the same team” I was told. They won’t win a championship this year! They have lost two games!” and on and on. The narrative was that the Rio Hondo Prep run was over. I had to go see for myself.

Last Friday night I saw Rio Hondo Prep take the field against an undefeated Viewpoint team. And it was the same team. It was the same team that has ran roughshod over opponents for the last three years, the same team that has racked up three consecutive CIF titles.

There was no Noah Penunuri but there was Matt Montez who ran for 128 yards and two scores. There wasn’t a Calogero Chico but there was Christian Lee who has stepped into a bigger role. He rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns.

There was still an offensive line that plowed the road and a coaching staff led by Mark Carson that guided the Kares to the victory. By the time the dust had settled Rio Hondo Prep walked off the field with a 38-14 victory. Viewpoint was unbeaten no more.

Did you know that the Rio Hondo Prep players and coaches line up, face the fans in the stands and sing ‘A Charge to Keep I Have’ after every home game?

The Kares will be fine. The only thing a couple losses will do is place them in a lower division. And with that Rio Hondo Prep will make an extended playoff run with possibly a fourth straight championship to follow. Same old story, same old song and dance my friend.

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If you were looking to get out and see a high school football game this year this is the week to do it. There are several big games with league championships on the line. Los Atos travels to Baldwin Park to settle the Hacienda League title, while El Rancho will host Bell Gardens for the Metro League championship. Bell Gardens has flown under the radar this season but is 6-1 and the Lancers beat the Dons last season. An upset could be looming.

The biggest game of the weekend is at Charter Oak where Bonita invades the Chargers turf with the winner emerging as Sierra League champs. Both teams are undefeated and there are plenty of players looking to shine on the big stage. Isaiah Guerrero and Joseph Lara are impact players for the Bearcats while Charter Oak counters with Dutch Burbidge and BJ Quiliza. Heavyweight bout.

On Thursday night Burbank and Muir are battling for their playoff lives. A loss for either team could mean a third-place finish in the Arroyo League and an end to their playoff hopes. Note: This game was originally scheduled to be played at Burbank but has been moved to Pasadena City College at 8:00 PM.

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Speaking of playoffs Northview needs to win its last two games to keep its hopes alive. The Vikings are currently 1-2, fourth place in the Sierra League, and 3-5 overall. They get Ayala this week so that shouldn’t be a problem. But then it gets a little dicey as Northview hosts Charter Oak in Week 10. If the Vikes beat Ayala and lose to the Chargers they would be 2-3 in league and 4-6 overall. A fourth-place finish in the Sierra and a record of below .500 might keep Northview on the outside looking in. The Vikings haven’t missed the playoffs since 2011.

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I owe Temple City head coach Riley Saxon a steak dinner at The Crest for picking Glendale to beat the Rams last Friday night. Temple City knocked off the Dynamiters 21-6 and with a win over Hoover this week the Rams would secure a second-place finish in the Crest League and a trip to the playoffs. I assume Coach likes his steak “well done”.

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In the big three this weekend I like Bonita, El Rancho and Baldwin Park, but again I did pick Glendale.

That’s my principle.

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