“What? Over? Did you say, over? Nothing is over until we decide it is. … It ain’t over now. ’Cause when the going gets tough… the tough get going. Who’s with me?”
– John “Bluto” Blutarsky (John Belushi), Animal House
Yeah, it’s not over, not by a long shot. But last week, a lot of races came into major focus. Down in the Suburban, Evan Hunko and the Monsoons were swamped by Shane Blood and the Matadores, who now have the top spot in league. In the Del Rio, Pioneer was the latest victim of La Serna’s seemingly unstoppable roll to one of the top seeds in the playoffs and over in the Hacienda, Bonita’s Smudge Pot Mojo finally ran out as West Covina brought down the Bearcats, while Diamond Ranch stayed perfect in league and remains tied with the Bulldogs for first.
This week, only the Suburban League's Glenn has a bye week, while for the first time since the league portion began, the entire Hacienda league is in action as Walnut has a rare late-season non-league game against Northview. Also, this week marks the end of the regular season for both Rowland and Mayfair, since both have a bye week. However, Mayfair will be moving on, Rowland, not so much.
WEEK 9
Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010
Pioneer at Cal (Del Rio League)
MATCHUP: Last week saw the Titans suffer their worst loss in recent history at the hands of La Serna, while the Condors extended their winning streak to two games with an upset win over El Rancho. This game means more to Pioneer than Cal, who could lose and still be in a position to make the playoffs. A Titan loss could spell the end for their playoff hopes.
Prediction: Pioneer 24, Cal 21
Friday, Nov. 5, 2010
La Serna vs. Whittier (at Whittier District Field, Whittier, CA, Del Rio League)
MATCHUP: Coming off of one of the most lopsided victories in Del Rio History, Lancer Head Coach Margarito Beltran gets the autumn equivalent of a passing-league game against Whittier. Despite coming close to pulling off a major upset over Santa Fe last week, the Cardinals were unable to close the deal as the Chiefs roared back in the fourth quarter. It’s only two more weeks before the season mercifully ends for the Cardinals.
Prediction: La Serna 49, Cardinals 7
El Rancho vs. Santa Fe (at Pioneer High School, Whittier, CA, Del Rio League)
MATCHUP: As mentioned earlier, Santa Fe had to come back against Whittier last week with a fourth quarter explosion, while the Dons suffered a shocking upset to Cal at home. Like the game between Cal and Pioneer, the Ranch needs the win more than the Chiefs do. A Chiefs’ win solidifies a playoff berth, while a Dons’ win could force another coin flip decision, something that cost them dearly last season.
Prediction: El Rancho 31, Santa Fe 28
Rowland at Bonita (Hacienda League)
MATCHUP: If this was any other season, this would be a game for first place and possibly the league title. Bonita’s loss to West Covina last week dropped them from the ranks of the undefeated and first place in the Hacienda. Rowland is done with their season, regardless of the outcome, being 1-4 in league and on a four-game skid. Bonita will bounce back and will prepare to take on Diamond Ranch next week with another win under their belt.
Prediction: Bonita 38, Rowland 24
Los Altos at Diamond Bar (Hacienda League)
MATCHUP: The Brahmas still have an outside shot at reaching the playoffs with a win this week and a loss by Walnut next week in week 10. But first, they have to get past a Los Altos team that… that… I’m sorry, I can’t stop laughing. I really tried to make it a serious matchup, but it’s impossible.
Prediction: Diamond Bar 56, Los Altos 10
Northview at Walnut
MATCHUP: Walnut’s schedule has a big gamble this week as they schedule a non-league matchup with perennial Valle Vista powerhouse Northview. Of course, the Vikings are in a down year and are languishing in fourth place. Walnut won’t lose ground in league with a loss, but a Diamond Bar win will put them into a tie for fourth place going into the final week.
Prediction: Walnut 38, Northview 21
West Covina vs. Diamond Ranch (at Pomona District Field, Hacienda League)
MATCHUP: Last week, the Bulldogs took down the Bearcats to keep a hold on the top spot in the Hacienda, while the Panthers did the same thing by beating Los Altos. This week, the league title is on the line and more than likely the first or second seed in the Southeast playoffs. A Bulldog win guarantees no less than the second spot in the playoffs, a Panther win guarantees no worse than the fourth seed.
Prediction: West Covina 59, Diamond Ranch 56 (OT)
Glendale at Arcadia (Pacific League)
MATCHUP: Arcadia is a game behind Burroughs, the difference being the overtime loss to the Indians, the Apaches’ only loss in league. The Nitros are deep in the cellar of the Pacific with one shot at a win next week against Hoover. Nothing short of a catastrophic collapse in their final two games will prevent the Apaches from reaching the playoffs.
Prediction: Arcadia 49, Glendale 10
Burbank Burroughs at Pasadena Muir (Pacific League)
MATCHUP: A week before Burroughs faces off against Burbank for the “Media Center Melee” and Muir meets Pasadena in the “Turkey Tussle,” both teams will meet this week. A loss for either team has major playoff implications. An Indian loss and wins by Burbank and the Apaches could result in a three-way tie for first. A Mustang loss and a Pasadena win sets up a battle for the final playoff spot in the Tussle.
Prediction: Muir 27, Burroughs 21
Crescenta Valley vs. Burbank (at Burroughs High, Burbank, CA, Pacific League)
MATCHUP: The Bulldogs are only a week from their annual battle with Burroughs, but first they have to face off against a Falcon team that still has an outside shot at the playoffs. However, the Falcons have dropped three straight and are in danger of getting knocked out unless they catch the Bulldogs off-guard.
Prediction: Burbank 42, Crescenta Valley 28
Pasadena vs. Hoover (at Glendale High, Pacific League)
MATCHUP: As mentioned above, the Pacific League rivalry games are a week away, but this is the week that means the most to the Bulldogs. A win against the Tornadoes puts them into a position to steal a playoff berth from Muir at the Tussle. Hoover is hoping to at least not get shut out for the third time in the last four weeks and score more than six points. Both are unlikely to happen.
Prediction: Pasadena 59, Hoover 10
Artesia vs. Mayfair (at Bellflower High, Bellflower, CA, Suburban League)
MATCHUP: When you lose an important game like Mayfair did last week, the most important thing is to get back to work and win again. So, to close out their regular season schedule, the Monsoons get to tune up for the playoff run by taking on the worst team in the league, the 0-8 Pioneers. This is going to be a good two weeks for Evan Hunko to prepare.
Prediction: Mayfair 63, Artesia 13
Bellflower vs. Cerritos (at Gahr High, Cerritos, CA, Suburban League)
MATCHUP: The Buccaneers have had two weeks to work through the 35-0 shutout at the hands of Mayfair. Cerritos was also dealt a shutout in their last game, 36-0 to Norwalk. Ironically enough, Cerritos could put themselves into a tie for fourth with Bellflower if they manage the upset. What’s worse, Bellflower closes out the regular season against La Mirada while the Dons have Glenn next week.
Prediction: Bellflower 38, Cerritos 17
Norwalk at La Mirada (Suburban League)
MATCHUP: The Matadores took down the Monsoons in a major upset and now have two big games against the other playoff contenders. First up is the Lancers, who have outscored their last three opponents 134-21. Shane Blood and the offense need all cylinders firing to not only outscore a tough Lancer team, but also overcome a very stingy defense.
Prediction: Norwalk 31, La Mirada 30
BYE WEEK: John Glenn
BONUS COVERAGE:
Garfield vs. Roosevelt (At Weingardt Stadium, East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, CA)
MATCHUP: When the Eastern League kicked off at the start of October, most predicted that the Bulldogs were going to have a long season, especially after a winless non-league schedule with losses to Bishop Amat, Orange Lutheran, Los Osos and St. Paul. Roosevelt, on the other hand, had a great non-league season, their only loss coming to Franklin in week three. Alhambra and Whittier were amongst their victims. But as the saying goes, looks are deceiving. The Bulldogs are undefeated in league, including an upset of pre-season favorite Jordan, while the Rough Riders have dropped their last two games, including a 21-20 loss to Bell. But the most surprising thing about Garfield’s run is that they have a freshman at quarterback, Nicky Peralta. Peralta, since coming in during the loss against St. Paul, has thrown for 363 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaged 72 yards per game and has only thrown four interceptions in his five games of work, two against St. Paul and two against Huntington Park in the 3-0 squeaker two weeks ago. It's the Bulldogs' year, polish up that crown.
Prediction: Garfield 35, Roosevelt 17
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