Big Tony's Touts, Southeast Division Week Four, Director's Cut

First of all, an apology to my readers for the lack of picks last week. My father had surgery and my mind was distracted with his recovery. But after a final week of non-league contests, the “Ol’ Hacienda,” the “By the Blue Pacific” and “Suburban Meyer” Leagues will start their league tilts this week, while the “Jack Del Rio” League has two more weeks before their league schedule kicks in.

Also with the Del Rio still in its non-league schedule, a certain “Prince of Darkness” has already anointed La Sena as the presumptive League Champs, but where VTD’s ball-washing of the Lancers has become rather repetitive and jejune (look it up), I’m not ready to crown the Lancers, as you’ll see in my picks this week. This week, we only have two schools with byes. El Rancho has the week off in the Del Rio league and Bonita is off for the Hacienda. Everyone else is playing, with Cerritos the lone Suburban League team with a non-league game this week.

Are we ready over here? Are we ready over there?

(Claps his hands) LET’S GET IT ON!!

WEEK 4

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010

Burbank Burroughs vs. Hoover (at Glendale High, Pacific League Contest)

MATCHUP: So after three weeks of being a Foothill League punching bag, the Indians limp into Glendale High to take on a Tornadoes team that took a road trip into the Mid and came away with a win over Mountain View. Despite talk of a vaunted Indian defense, they lost by a combined 30 points to the Foothill teams. More than likely A.J. Pule is going to take advantage of that.

Prediction: Hoover 31, Burroughs 21

Schurr at Cal High (at Whittier District Field)

MATCHUP: The Spartans righted their phalanx with a nail-biter of a win over El Toro. Last year, the Condors continued a 10-game unbeaten streak when they erased a 13-point deficit for the tie. This year is much different for the Condors, with Terris Jones now a walk-on at the University of Arizona and Adam Contreras still sidelined with a shoulder injury. But sophomore Drew Castro is relying on Maximo Gonzales and Ben Stiepak to keep the offense moving. Don’t expect Aaron Cantu to let another tie occur.

Prediction: Schurr 34, Cal High 28

Friday, Oct. 1, 2010

Diamond Bar vs. Diamond Ranch (at Pomona District Field, Hacienda League Contest)

MATCHUP: It’s another edition of the 60-57 Freeway Showdown as the Brahmas and the Panthers renew their geographic rivalry for bragging rights to the Interchange. The Brahmas are stampeding into this contest after rolling their first four games of the season, while the Panthers were sent reeling after Santa Margarita did to them what Stanford did to UCLA a couple weeks ago. But a win over Chaffey is bound to give the Panthers a lift going into this game and they could even pull out an upset win.

Prediction: Diamond Bar 31, Diamond Ranch 28

Los Altos at Rowland (Hacienda League Contest)

MATCHUP: Whether you want to call this a “dog with fleas” or say it has “the stench of the Devil,” this game can be easily summed up in one word; Blowout. This one has all the signs of a catastrophic beat down for the Raiders, and this Autumn Wind is going to be more like a typhoon for the Conquerors. The only way they win is if Rowland’s ENTIRE team is suspended for the game.

Prediction: Rowland 63, Los Altos 3

West Covina at Walnut (Hacienda League Contest)

MATCHUP: They may be in a new league, but the Bulldogs and the Mustangs are old foes from back in their days in the old San Antonio League. This year, both are rolling from recent wins, Walnut with their overtime win against Covina and West Covina with their victory over Glendora for their third straight win. If this game was at West Covina, I’d say that the Bulldogs would pull it out easily, however, I’m not so sure that Walnut will go down that easily, but it’s going to be close

Prediction: West Covina 28, Walnut 27

Arcadia at Pasadena (Pacific League Contest)

MATCHUP: The Apaches are finally off the losing track, after turning the Rams into mutton chops. The Bulldogs also are basking in the afterglow of a firm win, over La Salle, alleged alma mater of Villa the Devil. So both teams are looking for a continuation of their winning ways, but history is on the Apaches’ side. Pasadena was winless in the 21^st century against Arcadia until last year’s upset.

Prediction: Arcadia 17, Pasadena 13

Burbank at Muir (Pacific League Contest)

MATCHUP: The Mustangs have had two weeks to prepare for the Bulldogs, and haven’t forgotten the upset win the Bulldogs pulled off last year. Also plaguing the Mustangs are two hard losses to Saugus and Bishop Amat, while the Bulldogs have wins over Warren and San Gabriel bracketing the loss to Chaminade. If Adam Colman lives up to the washing up he gets from VTD, He might prove last year’s win was no fluke.

Prediction: Muir 35, Burbank 31

Crescenta Valley at Glendale (Pacific League Contest)

MATCHUP: The Falcons split their games in the La Canada two-step, a loss to St. Frank’s and a close win over LC. Now they fly into their league schedule against a Nitros team that can’t come off the line without blowing an engine. The Falcons are gonna blow the doors off the Nitros and leave them spinning their wheels at the tree. (Whoa, nice drag racing puns)

Prediction: Crescenta Valley 42, Glendale 17

Artesia at La Mirada (Suburban League Contest)

MATCHUP: You would think that a defending Division champion like La Mirada would have had a better non-league season than the Matadors’ 1-3 record. Granted, the losses to St. Paul and La Habra were close contests, but it says more about the defense’s shortcomings than the offense’s efforts. But it could be a lot worse; they could have been rolled like Artesia were in their first three games. If the Pioneers manage to score in double digits, they should consider it a moral victory, maybe…

Prediction: La Mirada 42, Artesia 10

Bellflower vs. Glenn (at Excelsior Adult School, Suburban League Contest)

MATCHUP: The Buccaneers have put their focus on plundering the Suburban League now that they sit on top of the standings after a 3-1 non-league record. Glenn has been a punching bag, managing to score only 27 points in their four games played, while surrendering a league-worst 202 points in their four losses. Hoist the Colors, me hearties, the Buccaneers will be a plunderin’ these Spartans.

Prediction: Bellflower 49, Glenn 10

Norwalk vs. Mayfair (at Bellflower High, Suburban League Contest)

MATCHUP: Norwalk has evened their record after wins over St. Paul and Morningside while Mayfair ended their three-game losing streak with a win over Valley Christian. The Lancers are poised to take a run at the League title and the Monsoons are hoping for more favorable winds, but the storm clouds are gathering once more.

Prediction: Norwalk 42, Mayfair 21

Warren vs. La Serna (at Whittier District Field, Whittier, CA)

MATCHUP: Yes, the Bears have been reeling since the start of the season, but they did manage to knock off Santa Fe. Although some pundits have resorted to crown the Lancers the presumptive Del Rio League champions, those who know the league are just waiting for the “real” La Serna to show up, and if that team arrives at the start of league play.

Prediction: Warren 28, La Serna 24

Cerritos at Pioneer

MATCHUP: After knocking off Glenn to start the season, the Titans lost two close games, fueling speculation that they’re trying to emulate El Rancho’s resurgence. The Dons got off the schnide after shutting out Rancho Alamitos, but the first two losses were steamrollers. It could be a season-defining moment for both teams depending on who wins and who loses. A Cerritos loss sets a bad tone going into League play. A Pioneer loss could put the Titans on a collision course for the Del Rio cellar again.

Prediction: Pioneer 35, Cerritos 21

Whittier at Paramount

MATCHUP: The Cardinals are three loses into another forgettable season, but they did manage to give the Rough Riders a game last week. The Pirates are hoping for better sailing after losing a heart-breaker to Long Beach Wilson. Expect the Cardinals to get plundered as they careen towards another loss.

Prediction: Paramount 42, Whittier 13

Santa Fe at Charter Oak

MATCHUP: The Chiefs are struggling after losses to Bonita and Esperanza, but the Bonita loss came on a blocked field goal at the end of the game. The Chargers were last year’s Southeast Division champs but now they’re taking on the Inland Division, but that doesn’t mean they should over look the Chiefs. If Justin Rincon can overcome the errors in his game, the Chiefs can still contend for the Del Rio Title. Keeping the Chargers close will dictate the outcome of the game and may just get the Chiefs an upset victory at an opportune moment.

Prediction: Santa Fe 28, Charter Oak 27

BYE WEEK: Bonita

BYE WEEK: El Rancho

BYE WEEK:

Big Tony's Touts, Week Two In the Southeast, Director's Cut

We’ve reached week two and already we’re seeing some interesting trends. As usual, the Jack Del Rio League is showing its usual topsy-turvy non-league results. Last week’s picks went a bit off, losses by La Mirada, La Serna and Warren as well as the unexpected debut of Tony Botello for the Titans dropped my record to 7-5. Despite the losses, I’m still over .500 and I’m sitting with an overall record of 15-9.

This week, things are going to get interesting as those schools who didn’t play in week zero get a second game under their belt and we’ll start to see who’s shaking the rust off the first week’s performance and who’s close to pushing the panic button. Please note, this week, Artesia has the week off, which will help them recover after giving up 105 points to Edison and Millikan, but they are on the road next week to face the Gladiators.

So, without further ado, LET’S PLAY THE FEUD!!!

WEEK 2

Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010

Garden Grove Pacifica @ Whittier (@ Whittier District Field, Whittier, CA)

MATCHUP: Pacifica is coming into Whittier District Field for a match with the Cardinals, but they’re very familiar with the Jack Del Rio League. Last year, Cal High went down to Garden Grove and started a 10-game unbeaten streak with a win over the Mariners. They may be playing on Cal’s field, but they aren’t playing the Condors, They’re taking on a Cardinals team that was shut out by Chino six days earlier.

Prediction: Pacifica 31, Whittier 7

West Covina vs. South Hills (@ Covina District Field)

MATCHUP: Last week, the Bulldogs brought the City Section’s Gondoliers back down to earth with a solid victory. This week, they take on a Huskies team that knocked off BP in their season opener. This could be another shootout.

Prediction: South Hills 28, West Covina 27

Burbank Burroughs vs. Newhall Hart (@ College of the Canyons)

MATCHUP: It’s a classic game of Cowboys and Indians, but lately, Burroughs are starting to look more like the Heckawee tribe from “F-Troop” after their first two losses to the other two Foothill League teams they’ve faced. Thankfully this is the last of the Foothill Trio Burroughs has on the schedule.

Prediction: Hart 35, Burroughs, 14

South Pasadena vs. Hoover (@ Glendale High)

MATCHUP: Was anyone really expecting the Tornadoes to blow over Sierra Vista? Me neither, but now they have more trouble on their hands. The Tigers are coming off a win over a suddenly easily beaten Almont team in San Gabriel. If the Tornadoes want to get into the Tigers’ head, they’ll need to cuss up a storm.

Prediction: South Pasadena 24, Hoover 17

Friday, Sept. 17, 2010

Cal @ La Mirada

MATCHUP: A 92-yard kickoff return by former Alhambra Moor Vai Peko is really the only reason why the Matadors are not 1-1 right now. The Condors are coming off a payback loss to Rowland, and need a quality win to cement the Condors as Adam Contreras’ team.

Prediction: La Mirada 24, Cal High 7

Bonita vs. Santa Fe (@ Pioneer High School, Whittier CA)

MATCHUP: Bonita’s still on a roll since capturing the Smudge Pot from San Dimas, knocking off Claremont last week. Plus they’re getting Tarez Lemmons back for the game against the Chiefs. Coach Mahlstede’s boys looked really good against Warren in the season opener, but now face a real test from the Bearcats.

Prediction: Bonita 31, Santa Fe 27

El Rancho @ Bell Gardens

MATCHUP: Last year, Bell Gardens barely held on to a 17-14 win over the Dons at El Rancho. This year, the Dons are looking to return the favor and after the Lancers suffered last week’s 48-0 beatdown from Azusa, they need to stop the mistakes and turnovers.

Predictions: El Rancho 35, Bell Gardens 3

Long Beach Wilson vs. La Serna (@ Whittier District Field, Whittier, CA)

MATCHUP: The Lancers were pillaged for a combined 298 rushing yards from the Vikings’ running backs, including 186 yards from Kyle Lewis. This week, they have a Bruins team that barely managed a touchdown against Edison, who lit them up for 48 points (Okay, no more electricity puns).

Prediction: La Serna 28, Wilson 17

Pioneer @ Salesian High

MATCHUP: Last week, Tony Botello’s performance against Glenn was good enough to make Roggin’s Heroes on Monday. Now they head for Boyle Heights to take on the Mustangs. The Mustangs are 2-0 but barely held on against Bishop Montgomery. If Botello repeats his output, he could make “The Challenge” on Sunday night.

Prediction: Pioneer 31, Salesian 24

Paramount @ Bellflower

MATCHUP: It’s full sail ahead for the Buccaneers as they sail into their home port, while the Pirates seek to plunder another team of a victory. (Gods, I love these pirate puns, arrrgh!) Someone’s timbers will be shivered this night

Prediction: Paramount 28, Bellflower 27

Cerritos @ Gahr

MATCHUP: The Dons are still smarting from the pounding by Gabrielino two weeks ago, but then again they weren’t in an Arena League game like Gahr was against La Palma Kennedy last Friday. Granted, the Gladiators busted out for 51 points, but they still lost by 18 to the Eagles. Don’t expect Cerritos to give them a game either.

Prediction: Gahr 49, Cerritos 21

Villa Park vs. John Glenn (@Excelsior Adult School, Norwalk, CA)

MATCHUP: Glenn got a Titan-sized trouncing to Pioneer and Tony Botello and has only 13 points to show for their first two games. This week, the Spartans are marching on Excelsior Stadium with the hope to finally put a score on the board. This will be a low-scoring game with the winner determined by who screws up at the worst time.

Prediction: Glenn 10, Villa Park 3

Mayfair @ Lakewood

MATCHUP: The Monsoons have had managed to keep their opponents to within two touchdowns, the problem has been those 14 points have been the difference in both losses. Now they face a Lancers team that has only allowed one touchdown in their first two games. The Monsoons have stormy weather ahead.

Prediction: Lakewood 28, Mayfair 10

Norwalk @ Santa Fe Springs St. Paul

MATCHUP: The Swordsmen upset La Mirada two weeks ago and are well-rested up for their second game of the year. The Lancers, on the other hand, have only six points to show for their offensive output after two games. Things aren’t going to be getting easier anytime soon for Norwalk.

Prediction: St. Paul 31, Norwalk 10

Arcadia @ Monrovia

MATCHUP: Last week, M-town started the season where they left off, at Citrus College. This time around it was not the Mid-Valley Finals, but it was the same result, a loss, this time to the Tartans. This week, the Wildcats are opening the new Monrovia Sports Complex on campus by hosting the Apaches, who are on the warpath after getting scalped by the Golden Knights.

Prediction: Arcadia 28, Monrovia 27

Burbank @ San Gabriel

MATCHUP: San Gabriel’s loss to South Pasadena last week continued the Almont’s winless streak as a league to a second straight week. This is a perfect opportunity for the Bulldogs to bounce back after last week’s loss to Chaminade. The Almont losing streak will last at least one more week.

Prediction: Burbank 38, San Gabriel 7

St. Francis vs. Crescenta Valley (@ Glendale High)

MATCHUP: St. Frank's opened the season last week with a scalping of Arcadia while C-Valley flew into the City Section and dominated Verdugo Hills. This week, the Golden Knights are in the Falcon’s Lair to try to continue their winning streak before next week’s battle with the City Section’s Venice Gondoliers. The Falcons want the same thing before they fly into the La Canada Conflict against the Spartans.

Prediction: St. Francis 38, Crescenta Valley 35

Glendale @ La Canada

MATCHUP: The Nitros were shut down as they faced a Phantom menace in Cathedral last week, who will take on the Bulldogs this week (more on that game below). The Spartans are gearing up for the border war with Crescenta Valley and see no better boost than a little Nitro fuel.

Prediction: La Canada 31, Glendale 17

Pasadena Muir @ Bishop Amat

MATCHUP: The Mustangs’ loss to Saugus was a lot closer than the score shows, managing to keep the Centurions to only four touchdowns. This week, however, the Lancers are 2-0 after knocking off Compton Dominguez last week. Muir needs a win before they open their Pacific League schedule against Burbank next week.

Prediction: Bishop Amat 27, Muir 24

Cathedral @ Pasadena

MATCHUP: As mentioned before, The Phantoms burned out the Nitros last week, but they now head into Pasadena to face the Bulldogs who have been off since their 32-7 loss to Westchester on Sept. 3. If the Bulldogs want an upset, this is the time to do it, otherwise, it could be a long season in the Pacific cellar for them.

Prediction: Cathedral 28, Pasadena 21

Chino Don Lugo @ Diamond Bar

MATCHUP: The Brahmas are stampeding through their non-league season, but now will face off against Don Lugo, who will make the trek over the Chino hills to Diamond Bar High. The Conquistadores righted their ship against the Ambassadors of Ontario Christian, in a very undiplomatic win. If the Brahmas survive, expect them to be a factor in the race for the Hacienda title.

Prediction: Diamond Bar 35, Don Lugo 32

Hacienda Heights Wilson @ Los Altos

MATCHUP: The Wildcats were turned into hamburger at home by the Brahmas, and now head up the street to Los Altos to take on the Conquerors, who haven’t done much in term of conquers, although last week’s two-point loss to Bellflower was better than the 41-point shut out by El Rancho

Prediction: Los Altos 28, Wilson 17

Rosemead @ Rowland

MATCHUP: The Raiders got the Post-Terris Jones era at Cal High off to a bad start as Michael Ball rolled them to their second win of the young season. The ‘Mead, on the other hand, opened up last week with a three-point upset over the Oilers last Friday. Now let’s see if the Autumn Wind blows through the Hacienda Hills once more.

Prediction: Rowland 35, Rosemead 21

Walnut @ Claremont

MATCHUP: Walnut rode all over Troy last week down behind the Orange Curtain, knowing off the Warriors by six points. Claremont was the first victim of Bonita’s Smudge Pot victory parade. Now the Wolfpack hope to get back into the win column against a tough Mustang team.

Prediction: Claremont 24, Walnut 23

Wildomar Elsinore vs. Diamond Ranch (@ Pomona District Field)

MATCHUP: D-Ranch has had two bad games so far this season. Saturday night, the Panthers need to score more than 16 points in the game, the score both teams Elsinore played so far have been limited to. Of the Panthers want to prove they aren't a mere shell of themselves from last year, this is the game they need to prove that.

Prediction: Elsinore 31, Diamond Ranch 21

NEXT WEEK: The Pacific, Hacienda and Suburban Leagues conclude their non league schedules in week three while the Del Rio has two more weeks before they start the "Whittier Merry-go-Round"

Big Tony's Touts, Week One in the Southeast

Please note, dear readers, that this week's picks come with a bit of an edge to them, as my not-so esteemed colleague, Andy "Villa the Devil" Villanueva decides that he's going to do his picks for the Southeast division. But of course, he can't be bothered with doing ALL the schools in the Southeast, which goes to show why he's the T.J. Simers of the Mid Valley Sports Section.

So after some consultation from St. Joe the Torosian, I was asked to set up my predictions that appear on the Mid Valley Sports website to focus on the Suburban Meyer and the Jack Del Rio Leagues. Of course, that means that Villa the Devil has to settle for the Hacienda and the Pacific.

However, like your Director's Version of your favorite movie on DVD, this is my "Full Board" of predictions for the ENTIRE Southeast Division. I plan on posting them here each week until the end of the playoffs.

So, to recap last week, four of my picks turned out completely wrong and I’m not one to hide from my mistakes. Who knew that Santa Margarita would make D-Ranch look like Ganesha and St. Paul would have the Whooppee cushion out for La Mirada, but that’s now past tense. This week we have almost all of the Southeast Division schools in action, with the exception of Cerritos, who got pounded by Gabrielino and Pasadena, who got pummeled by the City Section’s Westchester.

Now to start the "real" first week of the football season, let’s open those hermetically sealed envelopes, which have been kept in a Mayonnaise Jar on Funk & Wagnall’s front porch since Noon today, which hold my predictions for this week in the Southeast.

Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010

Pioneer vs. John Glenn (@Excelsior Adult School, Norwalk, CA)

MATCHUP: Last week, the Eagles were given a thumping by Santa Ana Valley. This week, they host the Titans, who were feeling less than mighty after being on the wrong end of a 38-3 pummeling. This week, don’t expect anything different as the Titans hope for something better than last year’s 3-7 record.

Prediction: Glenn 28, Pioneer 7

La Mirada @ La Habra

MATCHUP: Last week, the Matadors were gored in their season opener by the Swordsmen, while the Highlanders were flung in their season opener against perennial powerhouse Orange Lutheran. Both teams are going to be looking for some payback at the expense of the other, so expect fireworks.

Prediction: La Mirada 42, La Habra 39

Friday, Sept. 10, 2010

Cal @ Rowland

MATCHUP: The Condors are beginning the Post-Terris Jones Era while the Raiders still have Michael Ball, who has more football lives than a humanoid Cylon. The Raiders are coming off a close victory over BP, but the Condors won’t be a pushover, not while Adam Contreras is behind Center.

Prediction: Rowland 35, Cal High 31

El Rancho vs. Northview (@Covina District Stadium, Covina CA)

MATCHUP: Last week, the Dons showed the Conquerors that the El Rancho renaissance was just getting started last year. This week, they head into the Mid for a tussle against a Viking team that had little to celebrate, but there’s no Brett Favre to save them, only seniors Marquise Thomas and Marcus Ellis.

Prediction: El Rancho 38, Northview 17

La Serna @ Downey

MATCHUP: The Lancers are ready to put last year’s debacle of a season behind them, while the Vikings are hoping to do the same. Head Coach Margarito Beltran is counting on Andrew Rosales and Connor Burke to keep from repeating last year’s forgettable season.

Prediction: La Serna 24, Downey 21

Warren vs. Santa Fe (@ Pioneer High School, Whittier, CA)

MATCHUP: Last week, the Bears were bullish against Burbank but fell short at the end. The Chiefs are opening their season after garnering some Mid Valley Karma the other night, which they’ll need since the Bears are one of their toughest opponents this year.

Prediction: Warren 35, Santa Fe 31

Chino vs. Whittier (@ Whittier District Field, Whittier, CA)

MATCHUP: The Cardinals actually were in contention for the Del Rio lead for all of two whole weeks before they faded into their normal spot, but don’t expect them to be wallflowers against the Cowboys, who are coming off an 0-10 season in the Mt. Baldy league.

Prediction: Whittier 28, Chino 14

Millikan @ Artesia

MATCHUP: Last week, the Pioneers got shocked by Edison (Yes, I’m still doing the electricity Puns, sue me) while the Rams were led to the slaughter by the Gahr Gladiators. This week the two teams meet in Artesia, which the Rams are expected to repeat their success from last year, when they knocked off the Pioneers, 42-13. Expect a similar result.

Prediction: Millikan 35, Artesia 7

Los Altos @ Bellflower

MATCHUP: Last week, the Buccaneers plugged the Oilers in their Week Zero opener, while as mentioned before; the Conquerors were shut out by the Dons. Expect the Buccaneers to strike the colors as they size up another opponent to plunder.

Prediction: Bellflower 35, Los Altos 3

Los Alamitos vs. Mayfair (@ Cerritos College, Norwalk, CA)

MATCHUP: Last week, the Griffins tore up Norwalk in a 34-0 pasting, while the Monsoons were swamped by Chino Hills. The Griffins will have no trouble scoring against the Monsoons, who will need a perfect game just to get on the board.

Prediction: Los Alamitos 31, Mayfair 3

Cypress vs. Norwalk (@Excelsior Adult School, Norwalk, CA)

MATCHUP: The Lancers are still smarting from the 34-0 shutout from Los Al, but they’re going up against another monster in a Centurion team that rolled through the Empire League last year. Hopefully Elijhaa Penny will be able to find the end zone this time around, but Seniors Jordan Pounds and C.J. Moore are anchoring the Centurion defense again.

Prediction: Cypress 28, Norwalk 7

Claremont @ Bonita

MATCHUP: The Bearcats are still celebrating their taking the Smudge Pot last week over the Saints, which has even bummed out Bill and Ted. Now they head down the 210 into the IE to face off against the Wolfpack, who knocked off Cajon in week zero. We will see if the Smudge Pot will bring the Bearcats the same good fortune the Saints had last year.

Prediction: Bonita 38, Claremont 35

Diamond Bar @ Hacienda Heights Wilson

MATCHUP: The Brahmas equaled their win total from last year at the expense of the Nobles, while the Wildcats are looking for their first regular season win since the end of the 2007 season, a 55-27 win over Rowland. Don’t expect that streak to end this week.

Prediction: Diamond Bar 42, Wilson 21

Damien vs. Diamond Ranch (@ Pomona District Field)

MATCHUP: The Ranch got a rather rude wake-up call from Santa Margarita last week, while the Spartans are gearing up for the new-look Sierra League and their newest member, Charter Oak. Expect the Panthers to sharpen their claws on the Spartans.

Prediction: Diamond Ranch 24, Damien 21

LA Venice @ West Covina

MATCHUP: The Gondoliers were amongst the majority of City Section teams who won their season opener last week, a 47-16 shellacking on Harvard-Westlake. The Bulldogs were caught in a Colt stampede last week and are looking for some kind of payback on the Gondoliers. Yeah, and Citizen Keenan is going to name me the next Sports Editor of the Mid Valley News.

Prediction: Venice 45, West Covina 21

Fullerton Troy @ Walnut

MATCHUP: The Mustangs are opening their season by hosting the Warriors. Last year in the old San Antonio League, Walnut was solid in non-league play but when the only managed one win in league. Troy managed to get into the Playoffs at the Freeway League’s at large tam but exited in round 1. Both teams will be looking for a quality win to start the season

Prediction: Troy 24, Walnut 21

Arcadia @ La Canada St. Francis

MATCHUP: The Apaches are coming off a bad year where they finished in the Pacific cellar, while the Golden Knights reached the second round of the playoffs. Ryan Jenkins and Travis Talianko are expected to be prime targets for the Golden Knight air offense, giving the Apache Defense a load of headaches.

Prediction: St. Francis 33, Arcadia 14

Burbank @ West Hills Chaminade

MATCHUP: The Bulldogs are coming off a skin-of-their-teeth win over Warren, but now have to contend with an Eagle program prepping for a newly expanded Mission League.

Prediction: Burbank 28, Chaminade 24

Crescenta Valley @ Verdugo Hills

MATCHUP: The Dons are many years removed from their days as the champions of the old Sunset Six league days, languishing at the bottom of the East Valley League in the City Section’s crowded Division II. It doesn’t help having a Falcons squad that would have contended for the Pacific League title if Burbank and Burroughs dropped a couple games between them.

Prediction: Crescenta Valley 34, Verdugo Hills 12

Cathedral @ Glendale

MATCHUP: The Nitros were anything but fast in the Pacific, going winless in league and a 7-point win over South Pasadena preventing them from going winless the entire year. They’re hosting a Phantoms team who are part of the new-look Mission League, missed out on a perfect regular season with a loss to league rival Serra. Expect the same for the Phantoms this season.

Prediction: Cathedral 44, Glendale 13

Hoover @ Sierra Vista

MATCHUP: The Tornadoes were nowhere near any kind of contention in the Pacific, with wins coming only against South Pasadena and intra-city rivals Glendale. The Dons, who have managed to stay in the middle of the pack in the Montview, come into the season looking for tame these twisters like they did last year with a 12-8 victory.

Prediction: Sierra Vista 17, Hoover 6

Pasadena Muir vs. Saugus (@ College of the Canyons)

MATCHUP: Both the Mustangs and Centurions opened their seasons with wins, Muir over the Almont’s San Gabriel and Saugus over Burroughs. Once again, Saugus is hoping for another boost at College of the Canyons, while the Mustangs are looking to continue their win streak.

Prediction: Saugus 24, Muir 21

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010

Burbank Burroughs @ Canyon Country Canyon

MATCHUP: The Indians were scalped by the first of three Foothill League teams in their week Zero loss to Saugus. The Indians are hoping for a Little Big Horn against the Cowboys instead of another Wounded Knee like the previous week.

Prediction: Canyon 24, Burroughs 17