Merry Christmas from the Geese, 2010 Edition

I wrote this poem in December of 2007 on the spur of the moment, and decided that this will be an annual event for me. I send this out to everyone of my readers(all three of you), as well as my family who are scattered across this country.

Christmas In Montebello, or A Visit from the Christmas Geese

'Twas the day before Christmas,

And all through the town,

People were shopping and running around.

Last-minute gifts were purchased with haste,

Not wanting a moment to go to waste.

And around our little home, Mom was finishing up,

Wrapping the presents and gifts and stuff.

Dad was busy, getting many things done,

Prepping for their El Paso trip, still yet to come.

And Tommy, My brother, stopped in for a bit,

Taking a break from his work because he saw fit.

And Myself, what did I do, you say?

I waited for sundown to come this way.

For still to be finished were the lights 'round the big tree,

Putting the final touches for all to drive by and see.

The full moon, how it glowed brightly on the river below,

shimmering as the Canadian geese honked and glided along, oh so slow.

The cars slowed down as they drove through the night,

Looking in awe as I made things right.

And Out on the lawn I gave out a shout,

"Mom, Dad, Tommy, You gotta come out!"

My family came running, thinking something's gone wrong,

But what they found was Me dancing and singing a song.

They watched as I danced and placed the last of the lights,

My breath easily seen on this cold winter's night.

"What's wrong?" said Dad "You give us a fright."

Mom just looked and laughed as I continued my flight.

Tommy looked down, embarrassed to see,

How graceful a quarter-ton Hippo like me could be. (I kid, I'm not THAT big)

When, from the spreading grounds, there came an incredible sound,

As gaggles of geese made landings all around.

We listened and watched as they crossed through the moon,

Their wings, opened wide, their calls all in tune.

Below them, their cousins answered their call,

As they glided onto the water, to come together one and all.

We stood there, all quiet, on the bank above,

Watching as Nature played a Winter song of love.

But, before long, it was time to go inside,

After all, none of us really had a winter-proof hide.

So we gathered round a burning Yule Log,

And listened as the Geese scared off the fog.

And so, let Me say, as I crawl under the sheets.

"Merry Christmas to all, but beware of cold feet."

Merry Christmas everyone, from Me and the family.

Please enjoy A Currier & Ives Christmas

Big Tony's Touts, Southeast Division, Playoffs Edition, Semifinals

Wow, what a week for quarterfinals. I had almost no mistakes, save for my unwavering love of my Alma Mater, who finally fell to Carson. This week, we’re at the Semi-Finals which means even less games to go. So once again, the City Section divisions and the Southeast are going to be combined once more. A reminder, the City’s Division II Finals will be held on Friday December 10, 2010 at East LA College’s Weingardt Stadium at 7p.m., while the Division I Finals will be held at the Coliseum on Saturday December 11, at 1 p.m.

Nothing left to say but, let’s take the cheese…

CITY FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

All Semi-Finals, Friday, 7 p.m.

Division I

#5 Taft (9-3) at #1 Carson (10-2)

MATCHUP: This is a battle between two top quarterbacks, Taft’s Michael Bercovici and Carson’s Justin Alo. Bercovici has the upper hand, stat-wise, currently averaging 294.5 passing yards per game, compared to Alo’s 168.3 yards per game. The Colts had their hands full against a Garfield squad who nearly knocked off the top seed before a couple of mistakes cost the Bulldogs the opportunity to advance, but the Toreadors dispatched the Dorsey Dons without much of a sweat. The winner of this game will have the best chance at knocking off Crenshaw.

Prediction: Carson 38, Taft 35 (OT)

Division II

#9 Fairfax (8-3-1) vs. #4 Arleta (11-1) at Monroe (tentative)

MATCHUP: The Lions are looking to reach the Finals and play for their third championship in school history. The Mustangs want another shot at a title, like two years ago. Senior running back Matt Bowen is less than 60 yards from breaking 2,000 yards for Fairfax, while the arm of Javy Lopez is keeping Arleta alive, much to the consternation of the multitude of baseball scouts who fear his pitching arm is in jeopardy. The winner is going to be the early favorite to win next Friday at East LA College.

Prediction: Fairfax 38, Arleta 34

CIF Southern Section, Southeast Division Semifinals (VII)

#1 West Covina (11-1) vs. Mayfair (8-4) at Bellflower, Friday

MATCHUP: So far, the Bulldogs haven’t been challenged much in the tournament. That’s about to change. The Monsoons have been relying on Jason Logologo for a lot of their ground work. He was the reason the Indians are sitting home tonight instead of playing West Covina. But don’t think that the Monsoons are going to be a pushover. Back before the playoffs started, my colleague, Eric Sondheimer, predicted that the Monsoons could be the dark horse that can bring down the monsters of the Hacienda.

Prediction: Mayfair 41, West Covina 38 (OT)

#2 La Serna (11-1) at Bonita (11-1), Saturday, 7 p.m.

MATCHUP: All right, I’m finally convinced of La Serna’s “Destiny” to reach the finals, but they have two more hurdles to overcome. First, they have to put to rest the “Smudge Pot Mojo” that has sustained the Bearcats all year. I know people are tired of hearing me say this, so don’t worry, a Bonita loss and the talk goes away. However, Coach Eric Podley isn’t ready to give up a shot at a title. This is the big one, Elizabeth.

Prediction: La Serna 38, Bonita 31

Big Tony's Touts, Southeast Division, Playoffs Edition, Round 2

Okay Folks, since we’re in the Quarterfinals, I’m combining all of my picks, City and Southern Section, into one GIANT story. We had some big upsets in the City’s Division II, but for the most part, the Chalk held sway in Division I. Over in the Southeast, except for one game, the chalk held as well. Arcadia’s upset loss to Norwalk wasn’t equal to Butler almost beating Duke, but it was close, more like Richmond doing in that No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament a few years ago. So let’s stop the quibbling, and get to the Stone Cold Lead Pipe locks, thank you, Tony Bruno.

City Section Division I: Quarterfinals, Friday, 7 p.m.

#8 Garfield (7-4) at #1 Carson (9-2)

MATCHUP: Last week, both the Bulldogs and the Colts had no trouble taking out their first round opponents. Colt Coach Elijah Asante knows the Bulldogs from his days as coach of their Eastern League rivals, the Jordan Bulldogs. Justin Alo has been his main weapon behind center, averaging more than 168 yards per game. But the Bulldogs have held their own against tougher opponents all season, including holding Orange Lutheran and Bishop Amat to their lowest point totals all season. Don’t be surprised if the Gutty Little Bulldogs knock off the Top seed in the bracket.

Prediction: Garfield 44, Carson 42 (OT)

#5 Taft (8-3) vs. #4 Dorsey (10-1) at Rancho Cienega Park

MATCHUP: The Toreadors have been riding the arm of quarterback Michael Berkovici all season long and it has them back where they feel they belong, especially after knocking off West Adams so easily. The Dons used the humiliation of their regular season pummeling at the hands of Crenshaw to their advantage last week with their win over Gardena. The key for the Dons is shutting down Berkovici, while the Toreadors can take a page out of Crenshaw’s book and just pound away at the Dons’ defense.

Prediction: Dorsey 45, Taft 35

#6 San Pedro (8-3) at #3 Venice (7-4)

MATCHUP: Sometimes it’s hard to look like you’re NOT running up the score. The Gondoliers had that problem last week against the once-mighty Locke Saints, who they just destroyed without so much as a sweat. Now they face a Pirates team that was best described this way by my colleague Tony Ciniglio from the LA Daily Breeze said this past week, “… there’s ‘fast’ then there’s ‘San Pedro fast,’” Last week, two plays by Brent Speight and Kris Bass allowed the Priates to sail into the Canals for a showdown. All hands on deck, the fat lady is gonna be singing this week, but it’s anyone’s guess if she’ll be belting out “Nessun Dorma” or “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me.”

Prediction: Venice 49, San Pedro 24

#7 Narbonne (6-5) at #2 Crenshaw(9-2)

MATCHUP: Almost one year ago, these two teams met for the Division I championship at the Coliseum. The Cougars came away with a 34-14 victory that not only closed out a perfect season but also punched their ticket to the State Bowl Championship game against De La Salle. That didn’t end well but now the Cougars are looking to reclaim that bowl bid, but first they have to knock off their finals opponent first. There won’t be the same mistake laden first half that the Gauchos produced last week against the Jordan Bulldogs, sophomore quarterback Troy Williams will be looking to get off to a fast start. The Cougars can be beaten if they can be held to under 21 points, and the Gauchos did that in each of their wins this year.

Prediction: Narbonne 34, Crenshaw 21

Division II: Quarterfinals, Friday, 7 p.m.

#16 Hamilton (4-6) at #9 Fairfax (7-3-1)

MATCHUP: This is a game no one expected. The defending champion Yankees weren’t supposed to win, while the Lions never even make the playoffs to begin with. Two weeks ago, the Lions stamped their tickets to the playoffs with a 35-0 shutout over the Yankees. If this is the year of the Lions, they need to put the Yankees away and move on to the semi-finals. The Yankees need to play like they did last week when they knocked off the top seed int he division, Reseda.

Prediction: Fairfax 27, Hamilton 24

#12 Franklin (8-3) vs. #4 Arleta (10-1) at Monroe

MATCHUP: This was the week of upsets in Division II, with Franklin upsetting the fifth seed Jefferson, while Arleta barely avoided being upset as well by the Eastern League’s Roosevelt. Look for the Mustangs to once again rely on the strength of running back Dejon Coleman and quarterback Javy Lopez. However, the Panthers also have some explosiveness in their own quarterback, senior Michael Orozco. Don’t expect another upset this week, unless Arleta starts looking past Franklin to the Semis.

Prediction: Arleta 42, Franklin 21

#14 Panorama (6-5) at #6 Chatsworth (9-2)

MATCHUP: Panorama was the third big upset of the first round last week, shutting down the third seed in the bracket, the Eastern League’s runner-up, South East. The Pythons have a legitimate weapon in running back Malcom Thomas, who has averaged 156.4 yards per game so far. In fact, the only game he didn’t rush for at least 100 yards was the regular season finale loss to Reseda two weeks ago. The Chancellors, on the other hand, ended the greatest season in recent memory of the Hollywood Sheiks last week. Both teams share a loss to Reseda this season, however, the Chancellors lost by only a touchdown. Shutting Down Thomas will be the key for Chatsworth’s survival.

Prediction: Panorama 48, Chatsworth 28

#7 Palisades (6-5) at #2 Francis Poly (9-2)

MATCHUP: A couple of weeks ago, my colleague Eric Sondheimer told me how head coach Perry Jones was lobbying for the Dolphins to be given a higher seed, as high as third. Last week against Lincoln, his Dolphins showed why he had such faith in them, easily handling the Tigers. Meanwhile, Poly continued their winning streak by knocking off the overmatched Conquistadors in the first round. The Parrots also have a strong rusher in Kevin Ervin, who’s already run for over 1,800 yards so far. The Dolphins will have to keep both him and Edgar Alejandro, who’s also rushed for more than 1,000 yards, from breaking the game open if they want to move on, which they probably won’t, since Poly has one of the best home field advantages in the Valley.

Prediction: Poly 48, Palisades 31

CIF Southern Section Southeast Division (VII)

SECOND ROUND: Friday 7:30 p.m.

Santa Fe (7-4) at #1 West Covina (10-1)

MATCHUP: Never doubt that after 30 years, head coach Jack Mahlstede still has a few tricks up his sleeves. His grandson and future assistant coach, quarterback Christian Mahlstede, has put the Chiefs’ air game finally on an even keel, leading the Chiefs into the second round. The Bulldogs really haven’t been challenged by any team since they lost to Covina and barely beat Glendora by five points. This will be a challenge they might not be able to stand up to. Look for this to be a real dogfight and if Santa Fe manages the upset, look out, they just might reach the finals.

Prediction: Santa Fe 31, West Covina 24 (OT)

#4 Burbank Burroughs (7-4) vs. Mayfair (7-4) at Ron Yary Stadium (Bellflower High):

MATCHUP: Just when you thought that Burroughs can relax after a win over El Rancho, they now have to go on the road and take on the Monsters of the LKWD in Mayfair. There’s no need to re-hash Evan Hunko’s numbers, he’s the main reason why the Monsoons are into the second round, but overlooked in that is the rushing prowess of running back Jason Logologo. Logologo is only 87 yards short of 1,000 yards this season and could break the Indians defense. The big target for the Monsoon defense is stopping the Brothers Yanez- quarterback Lucas and his main target Tyler. If either of these offenses get shut down, that game is over.

Prediction: Mayfair 28, Burroughs 24

Bonita (10-1) at Muir (7-4)

MATCHUP: Bonita had to trouble beating up on a very weak Cal team that was very lucky to have reached the playoffs. Aside from getting their heads handed to them by West Covina, the Bearcats really took advantage of the “Smudge Pot Mojo” all season, rattling off seven wins before getting knocked off by the Bulldogs. Despite that, they continued to roll. Muir has been that team nobody really wants to face. The Mustangs, despite having lost four of their first five games this season, turned into trouble in the Southeast playoff race, knocking Burroughs to give Burbank a shot at the title, helped El Rancho reach the playoffs by knocking off Pasadena in the Turkey Tussle and last week, knocked out an error-prone La Mirada. Bearcats head coach Eric Podley would do well to not take the Mustangs lightly, it could be fatal.

Prediction: Muir 38, Bonita 35 (OT)

#2 La Serna (10-1) at Norwalk (7-4)

MATCHUP: Last week, La Serna had to deal with something they hadn’t faced all season, a seasoned rush defense. Where normally the Lancers were able to unleash their one-two rushing combination of Richard Alvarez and OJ “Juice” Medina, they had to rely on the foot of kicker Tavis Guerra to get them the win in overtime. This week, the Lancer defense will need to have an answer for Norwalk’s own two-man 1,000-plus yard rushing monsters in Elijhaa Penny and Billy Moore, while the Lancers will need quarterback Andrew Buenrostro to keep finding holes in the secondary like he did against Walnut. This is going to be a Lancer joust worthy of Medieval Times.

Prediction: La Serna 34, Norwalk 31

Big Tony's Touts, City Section Playoffs Edition, Round 1

Okay sports fans, this is gonna be a long one, so strap in. First, just to let you know, my picks for the Southeast will NOT be posted on the Mid Valley website. Apparently, my right to free speech and my desire to lampoon one of my “colleagues” has upset my bosses there. Fine, we’ll get through this, but in case anyone asks, that’s what’s going on.

Anyway, let’s move on. So we have 16 games Friday night in both the Division I and II brackets. As I mentioned when the brackets were released, the first round has been moved to Friday now, which not only takes away the section’s showcase of the teams separate from the Southern Section. However, the goal remains the same, for the Division II schools, reach the finals at East LA College on December 10^th, while the Division I schools are aiming for the Finals at the Coliseum the next day. So let’s jump into the frying pan and see what cooks up…

City Section Division I playoffs

First-round Friday, November 19th, 2010

All Games - 7:00 p.m. (tent.)

No. 16 Sylmar (5-5) at No. 1 Carson (8-2)

MATCHUP: The Colts grabbed the top seed from the defending champs, Crenshaw, when the brackets were released. So they are hosting a Spartans team who barely made the playoffs after dropping a one-point loss to Canoga Park to close out the Valley Mission season.

Prediction: Carson 63, Sylmar 14

No. 9 Kennedy (5-5) at No. 8 Garfield (6-4)

MATCHUP: It has been many years since the Bulldogs faced the Cougars in a playoff game. This year, Kennedy has been up and down, closing out a .500 season in the Valley Mission League with a win over San Fernando in the “San Fernando Mission Melee” while Garfield overcame a four-game skid against the likes of Orange Lutheran and Bishop Amat to run the table in the Eastern League, including a 13-3 win over Roosevelt in the 76^th East LA Classic. Regardless of the outcome, the winner faces top seed Carson next week down in the South Bay. But it’s the Bulldogs’ game to lose, and they haven’t lost when playing at Dr. Damon Lamarr Field.

Prediction: Garfield 31, Kennedy 17

No. 12 West Adams (2-8) at No. 5 Taft (7-3)

MATCHUP: When you play in the Coliseum League, there’s always one constant, Crenshaw or Dorsey will come out on top and the real league battle is for third place. Since moving from the City Section’s old Southern League, the Panthers have been the best of the rest. The Toreadors, on the other hand, have been a long time championship contender, bit haven’t reached the finals since losing to Crenshaw in 2005. All hopes lie with quarterback Michael Bercovici to get the Toreadors back to the Coliseum.

Prediction: Taft 45, West Adams 21

No. 13 Gardena (2-8) vs. No. 4 Dorsey (9-1) at Jackie Robinson Stadium

MATCHUP: What happens when you roll into your annual rivalry game and get blown out 34-0 just in the First quarter? Ask the Dons, who had that happen to them against the Cougars to close out the season. So to find a way to send some payback, they’re starting out with a Panthers team who limped into the playoffs with a two-game winning streak that followed an eight-game losing streak. No question which team’s moving on here.

Prediction: Dorsey 63, Gardena 10

No. 14 Locke (5-5) at No. 3 Venice (6-4)

MATCHUP: Once upon a time, Locke was feared amongst the teams in Division I. Those days are long gone. Although the Saints were shut out by both Crenshaw and the LKWD(Lakewood for you Valley girls) and were doubled up by Dorsey, they went 5-4 against other Division I squads. The Gondoliers opened the season by kicking Harvard-Westlake square in the balls in week Zero, but then got racked themselves by Southeast Favorite West Covina, Chaminade, St. Francis and Bishop Amat before running the table in the Western League. The fat lady is tuning up and she don’t think the Saints gonna come marchin’ in.

Prediction: Venice 31, Locke 10

No. 11 Westchester (6-4) at No. 6 San Pedro (7-3)

MATCHUP: The Comets started off the season with an impressive win over Pasadena the same week Venice brought the smack down on Harvard Westlake. However they dropped two league games to Venice and Fairfax but managed to hold on to reach the post season. The Pirates have been to the big dance before, losing to Birmingham in 2006 and earning the infamous tie with Narbonne in 2008. They have their own “Chosen One” in junior quarterback Kenny Potter, but don’t expect him to conjure up any bad throws against this Comet defense. However, considering they barely closed out the season with a four-point win over Narbonne, the Comets could catch the Pirates off-guard and send them packing.

Prediction: San Pedro 31, Westchester 24

No. 10 L.A. Jordan (6-4) at No. 7 Narbonne (5-5)

MATCHUP: The Bulldogs were expected to not only compete for the Eastern League title but also had visions of going deep into the playoffs. Of course, they weren’t expecting head coach Elijah Asante to leave for Carson, but first year coach Sheron Butler has managed to keep the Bulldogs focused on the task at hand, getting past the first round. The Gauchos, on the other hand, could have won four of their five losses if they had managed to score a combined total of 15 points in those games. Narbonne needs to be careful not to underestimate Jordan lest they end up bounced out of the playoffs.

Prediction: Jordan 34, Narbonne 31 (OT)

No. 15 Granada Hills (4-6) at No. 2 Crenshaw (8-2)

MATCHUP: Nine points separated the Cougars from an unbeaten record. Those two losses also constituted the most points given up by Crenshaw this season, 42 points in the losses to North Gwinnett, in Georgia and Norco. By contrast, they surrendered 29 points in the eight wins the remainder of the season, including four shutouts. The Highlanders have not had much luck so far this season. Four of the six losses came against teams who made the post season. This one isn’t so much a question of if the Highlanders score, but by how much will they lose by? Could they try to pull a Wisconsin on them or will coach Robert Garrett call off the dogs early on?

Prediction: Crenshaw 56, Granada Hills 13

City Section Division II playoffs

No. 16 Hamilton (4-6) at No. 1 Reseda (10-0)

MATCHUP: What a difference a year makes. This time a year ago, the Yankees were about to start a playoff run that ended in the school hoisting its first Championship in the school’s history. This year, however, the Yankees fell on some hard times, losing a game against Leuzinger from their schedule and despite going 1-4 in league, reached the postseason. The Regents, on the other hand, were perfect all season and claimed the top seed in Division II. There will be no repeat champion in Division II this season.

Prediction: Reseda 42, Hamilton 10

No. 9 Fairfax (6-3) at No. 8 Marshall (8-2)

MATCHUP: The Lions rode the Western League rollercoaster all year, but overall rolled through their season, only giving up a loss to Chaminade and ending their game against Harvard-Westlake in a 14-14 tie. However, one of those non-league wins came against the Barristers. Marshall’s only losses this season were Fairfax’s blowout and a three-point loss to Arleta. On paper, it should be an upset win for the Lions, but something tells me Marshall hasn’t forgotten that beat down and is going to offer up some payback.

Prediction: Marshall 42, Fairfax 35

No. 12 Franklin (7-3) at No. 5 Jefferson (9-1)

MATCHUP: Another potential trap game, the Panthers have a chance at knocking off the Democrats like the Tea Party nearly did in Delaware and Nevada. After losing the first two Northern League games, they bounced back with three straight wins, including their season finale against traditional rivals Eagle Rock in the annual “Foothill Fight.” Jefferson actually was rolling towards an undefeated season when they ran into a snag against fourth-seeded Arleta. However, with a 1,000+ rusher Davion Roberts in the Democrats’ backfield, the Panthers will be hard pressed to stop the ground game.

Prediction: Jefferson 28, Franklin 25

No. 13 Roosevelt (6-4) at No. 4 Arleta (9-1)

MATCHUP: The Mustangs are two years removed from their 14-0 run to the Division II championship in their second year of existence. They’re averaging 288 yards of total offense this season, and Dejon Coleman is their multi-purpose offensive weapon for quarterback Javy Lopez. Rough Rider head coach Javier Cid had hoped for a better showing from his players, but despite wins over Alhambra and Whittier, the Riders dropped three straight, including the 13-3 loss to cross-town rival Garfield in the East LA Classic. However, Coach Cid is relying on linebacker Aaron Jones to keep Coleman and Lopez on their toes.

Prediction: Arleta 24, Roosevelt 21

No. 14 Panorama (5-5) at No. 3 South East (7-3)

MATCHUP: What else can you call this meeting between the 5-5 Pythons and the 7-3 Jaguars except a trouble match? South East was one play away from upsetting Garfield in the season finale and earning a tie for the Eastern League crown, but a last-second field goal lost them the title, but earned them a three-seed. Panorama would be 9-1 had the wins against South Gate, Chatsworth and Arleta not been forfeited because of an ineligible player. Expect the Jaguars to be all over the ball

Prediction: South East 35, Panorama 31

No. 11 Hollywood (7-3) at No. 6 Chatsworth (8-2)

MATCHUP: To say that this has been a good year is the same as saying that James Cameron’s movie “Avatar” made some money. The Sheiks have had a resurgence that the very city they play in would be clamoring to make into a movie. Junior quarterback Jeremi Ross has been the savior of the Sheiks ever since he took up the game almost two years ago. Meanwhile, the Chancellors kept a very respectable season, losing only to Taft in league and Reseda in their non-league schedule, although their loss to Panorama was reversed. Don’t be surprised if there’s a Hollywood ending in this game.

Prediction: Hollywood 42, Chatsworth 38

No. 10 Lincoln (9-1) at No. 7 Palisades (5-5)

MATCHUP: According to sources present at the Seeding meetings, no one lobbied more for their team than Palisades’ head coach, Perry Jones, who argued that the Dolphins should be seeded as high as third. However, losses to Venice and Santa Monica High in the “PCH Punchout” didn’t help the Dolphins. The Tigers would have easily won the Northern League but stumbled against Marshall and lost out on a perfect regular season and a higher seed. This battle by the Ol’ Pacific is going to be one-sided, and it won’t end well for the Dolphins.

Prediction: Lincoln 34, Palisades 24

No. 15 El Camino Real (4-6) at No. 2 Poly (8-2)

MATCHUP: Once upon a time, the Division II title went through the ECR. However, Taft’s elevation to Division I have given the Conquistadors another shot at greatness. However, the Parrots are looking to continue an unprecedented run to the East Valley title. The ECR is going to need another year to improve their fortunes. The Parrots are squawking for a deep run, they just might get it.

Prediction: Poly 45, El Camino Real 28

Big Tony's Touts, Southeast Division, Playoffs Edition, Round 1

The Playoffs have arrived. Four weeks of frenzy and fury wrapped up into 48 minutes of unbridled chaos. And in the end, one team will be left standing. From our original 28 teams in the Del Rio, Hacienda, Pacific and Suburban, we’re left with our final 16 teams, four from each league.

The rest of the way is simple, win or go home. This week, the first and second place teams, are hosting the third and four place teams. West Covina, by way of going 9-0 after dropping the season opener to Covina, earned the top seed in the brackets. La Serna took the second spot, while La Mirada and Burroughs rounded out the top four seeds.

We’re 100 miles from Chicago, we got half a tank of gas, 16 teams to play, it’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses…

Hit it...

PLAYOFFS ROUND 1

(Note, all games scheduled for 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted)

Bellflower (5-5, Suburban #4) at West Covina (9-1, Hacienda #1)

MATCHUP: The Bulldogs have done nothing but dominate every single week since the second week of the season. Except for the Glendora game, every game has been a double digit blowout. The Buccaneers were on a rollercoaster of wins and losses, but they dropped their last three games, including a 12-7 upset by Cerritos that nearly doomed their chances. All in all, The Buccaneers would rather be facing the Flying Dutchman; at least they’d have a fighting chance.

Prediction: West Covina 48, Bellflower 24

Burbank (7-3, Pacific #3) at Santa Fe (6-4, Del Rio #2)

MATCHUP: The Bulldogs took two costly losses in league that dropped them down to third, a 28-point thrashing to the Apaches and a three-point decision to the Indians in the “Media City Showdown.” The Chiefs overcame a difficult non-league season, including the one-point heartbreaker to Bonita, but except for the shutout loss to La Serna, the Chiefs dominated the rest of the league. We’ll see if Coach Jack Mahlstede’s defense can contain Ulisies Ochoa and Adam Colman.

Prediction: Santa Fe 35, Burbank 31

Diamond Ranch (5-5, Hacienda #3) at Mayfair (6-4, Suburban #2)

MATCHUP: There’s only one thing that has been consistent for Evan Hunko and the Monsoons, in their three losses this season, they were held to less than three touchdowns. Another interesting stat for the Panthers is that in their five wins, they allowed exactly 14 points per game in each of those wins, but in their five losses, they failed to score more than 21 points. The key to victory is which teams is held to 21 points or less,

Prediction: Mayfair 35, Diamond Ranch 20

El Rancho (6-4, Del Rio at-large) at Burroughs (6-4, Pacific #1)

MATCHUP: This might be the game that ends up being the upset of the playoffs. The Indians went winless in their three-game Foothill League tour then all but rolled through the Pacific, the only loss coming from the real dark horse of the bracket, Muir. The Ranch, on the other hand, didn’t lose any game by more than 21 points, the shutout to Santa Fe. The key for the Dons is to shut down the Yanez brothers, while the key for the Indians is to shackle Andrew Romero and Ronnel Lone.

Prediction: El Rancho 41, Burroughs 38 (OT)

Muir (6-4, Pacific #4) at La Mirada (7-3, Suburban #1)

MATCHUP: Did anyone really expect the Matadores to end up on top of the Suburban after losing three of their first four games by a total of 17 points? Did anyone expect the Mustangs to right their own ship after dropping four straight? Both teams have potential “payback” games in the semi-finals, but only one of them will have a shot.

Prediction: Muir 45, La Mirada 42

California (3-7, Del Rio #3) at Bonita (9-1 Hacienda #2)

MATCHUP: Six weeks of humiliating defeats would have sunk any other programs, but somehow Cal always knew how to throw the switch when needed, they got three wins at the right time and not only played spoiler to Pioneer’s playoff chances, they managed to latch on to the third and final automatic qualifier spot in the Del Rio. Bonita rode the Smudge Pot mojo all season until they ran into the West Covina buzz saw, but managed to recover and hold off D-Ranch for second place. We’re not going to see another miracle run by the Condors this season, but they have the foundation to improve for next year.

Prediction: Bonita 48, California 21

Norwalk (6-4, Suburban #3) at Arcadia (7-3, Pacific #2)

MATCHUP: All that stood in the way of an Apache title run was the overtime loss to Burroughs in the “Pacific Indian War.” The Lancers also could have contended for the Suburban League title had it not been for the losses to Mayfair and La Mirada. Elijaa Penny is the key to Norwalk’s chances for victory, but he’s also going to be Arcadia’s primary target in shutting down the Lancers.

Prediction: Arcadia 48, Norwalk 25

Walnut (6-4, Hacienda #4) at La Serna (9-1 Del Rio #1)

MATCHUP: The Mustangs had a golden opportunity slip through their fingers when they lost in double overtime to Diamond Ranch. The Lancers had a stumble against Downey blemish an otherwise near-perfect season. However, on two occasions, the Lancers were nearly caught napping. La Mirada nearly upset them and El Rancho held the Lancers to their lowest output all season. If Andrew Buenrostro is going to finally put to rest the notion that La Serna collapses at the most-inopportune moment, this is the game. Otherwise, Walnut will be the College of Charleston of these playoffs.

Prediction: La Serna 42, Walnut 28

BONUS PICK: LA City Section Division I First Round

#9 Kennedy (5-5) at #8 Garfield (6-4)

MATCHUP: It has been many years since the Bulldogs faced the Cougars in a playoff game. This year, Kennedy has been up and down, closing out a .500 season in the Valley Mission League with a win over San Fernando in the “San Fernando Mission Melee” while Garfield overcame a four-game skid against the likes of Orange Lutheran and Bishop Amat to run the table in the Eastern League, including a 13-3 win over Roosevelt in the 76^th East LA Classic. Regardless of the outcome, the winner faces top seed Carson next week down in the South Bay. But it’s the Bulldogs’ game to lose, and they haven’t lost when playing at Dr. Damon Lamarr Field.

Prediction: Garfield 31, Kennedy 17

Playoff Seedings, Southern Section Southeast Division

Okay, once again, my thanks to Eric Sondheimer from the "World Champion" LA Times for the brackets.

First of all, I am going to take a victory lap over my prognostication involving El Rancho's chances at getting the final playoff spot. On Friday night during the Mid Valley Sports Show, I told Big Joe Torosian that I expected to see the Dons reach the playoffs. Granted I said they would need a lot of help, but that help really came through, thanks to Muir's Domination of Pasadena in the Annual "Turkey Tussle" and Glenn knocking off Cerritos in the Suburban to force a three-way tie for fourth place, essentially giving Bellflower the fourth slot from the Suburban.

Looking at the Bracket, the first thing that jumps out at me is that, I GET TO PICK ALL OF THE GAMES FOR MY PICKS!! My boss at the Mid Valley Sports, the aforementioned Joe Torosian, has asked me to limit my picks so as to not offend the worst sports columnist this side of T.J. Simers, Andy "Villa the Devil" Villanueva, who has a perpetual stick up his tucas. well Tomorrow, I'll have picks for the Southeast ready to go, as well as the Dvision I and II brackets for the City Section.

SOUTHEAST (VII)

Bellflower (Suburban T4, 5-5) at #1 West Covina (Hacienda 1, 9-1)

Burbank (Pacific T3, 7-3) at Santa Fe (Del Rio 2, 6-4)

Diamond Ranch (Hacienda 3, 5-5) at Mayfair (Suburban 2, 6-4)

El Rancho (at-large/Del Rio 4, 6-4) at #4 Burbank Burroughs (Pacific T1, 6-4)

Muir (Pacific T3, 6-4) at #3 La Mirada (Suburban 1, 7-3)

California (Del Rio 3, 3-7) at Bonita (Hacienda 2, 9-1)

Norwalk (Suburban 3, 6-4) at Arcadia (Pacific T1, 7-3)

Walnut (Hacienda 4, 6-4) at #2 La Serna (Del Rio 1, 9-1)

Playoff Seedings, City Section Division I and II

First of all, I want to thank my good friend and colleague Eric Sondheimer of the "World Champion" LA Times, whom I used to work for many moons ago. I copied the match-ups from his posting on the Varsity Times Insider blog to post here, only for expedience. What I will do in the next couple of days is go over the teams and the potential playoff results before Friday.

But for now, I need to point out a couple of changes that were pointed out to me by former Garfield football coach and now assistant Section Commissioner, John Aguirre. Two traditional facets of the City Section playoffs have been done away with due to the ongoing budget situation. The first round, normally played on Thursday, will now be played on Friday. This now puts the section's games in direct competition with the Southern Section games also being played the same night. Also because of the LAUSD's mandated furlough days the week of Thanksgiving, the Traditional second round match-ups will no longer be held the night before Thanksgiving and now will fall on the Friday after the holiday.

There is one positive change to the schedule this year in my opinion, Normally, the Division II championships have been played the same day as the Division I finals. In years past, when both games were played at the LA Memorial Coliseum, the Division II game was played early in the afternoon and as such never got the attendance it deserved. This year, however, the games have been separated. The Division II final will now be played Friday night, December 10th, at East LA College's Weingardt Stadium. The move was originally planned for both divisions, but after some 11th hour negotiations with the Coliseum Commission, the Division I finals remained at the Coliseum and was moved to a Saturday day game on December 11.

The original plan to move the City Section Finals to ELAC would have created a three-day Championship showcase for the City Section because in addition to having both games played on consecutive nights, Division II on December 9 and Division I on December 10, the District's Band and Drill Team Championships were already scheduled to be held at ELAC on the 11th. Although the Dvision I final will remain at the Coliseum, District officials have expressed interest in possibly marketing the Championships being held at ELAC as a "Champions Festival."

So here are the brackets, Game times are tentatively scheduled for 7:00 p.m. but may change dependent on the schools hosting the first round games, one or two schools may not have lights available for the game and may opt for a 3 p.m. contest.

City Section Division I playoffs

First-round Friday, November 19th, 2010

All games - 7:00 p.m. (tent.)

No. 16 Sylmar (5-5) at No. 1 Carson (8-2)

No. 9 Kennedy (5-5) at No. 8 Garfield (6-4)

No. 12 West Adams (2-8) at No. 5 Taft (7-3)

No. 13 Gardena (2-8) vs. No. 4 Dorsey (9-1) at Jackie Robinson Stadium

No. 14 Locke (5-5) at No. 3 Venice (6-4)

No. 11 Westchester (6-4) at No. 6 San Pedro (7-3)

No. 10 L.A. Jordan (6-4) at No. 7 Narbonne (5-5)

No. 15 Granada Hills (4-6) at No. 2 Crenshaw (8-2)

City Section Division II playoffs

First-round Friday, November 19th, 2010

All games - 7:00 p.m. (tent.)

No. 16 Hamilton (4-6) at No. 1 Reseda (10-0)

No. 9 Fairfax (6-3) at No. 8 Marshall (8-2)

No. 12 Franklin (7-3) at No. 5 Jefferson (9-1)

No. 13 Roosevelt (6-4) at No. 4 Arleta (9-1)

No. 14 Panorama (5-5) at No. 3 South East (7-3)

No. 11 Hollywood (7-3) at No. 6 Chatsworth (8-2)

No. 10 Lincoln (9-1) at No. 7 Palisades (5-5)

No. 15 El Camino Real (4-6) at No. 2 Poly (8-2)