Local news in the San Gabriel Valley, California

Suburban League  – (Teams listed in projected order of finish)
La Mirada Matadores
Head Coach: Mike Moschetti  
Staff:
Last Year: 13-1
Last 5 Years: 33-25-1 overall, 21-9 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 CIF Finals: Won Garden Grove 49-27
1st Down: Two significant departures will effect the Mats this season; first the departure of three year starter Daniel Poncedeleon at quarterback and Co-Head Coach Ollie Lynch, who was not retained and is now at Buena Park.
2nd Down: Stars? There are a constellation of stars at LM, but the key could be new quarterback Shane Blood.
3rd Down: Still Max Gama (DB/RB), Andrew Bouzos (FS/WR), and Cooper Weatherly (LB) can make a whole lot of wrong right in a hurry.
4th Down: November 5th, that’s the day Norwalk comes to town, and the fate of the world is decided.
Game Plan: Linemen like Isaac Luatua (6’2” 293), Bryan Peters (6’4” 315), Kyle Cook 6’1” 273), Michael Barrett 6’0” 265), along with several skill players make the Mats contenders in their first season in the Southeast.  
Non League Schedule: St. Paul, at La Habra, California, La Serna.

Norwalk Lancers
Head Coach: Jesse Ceniceros
Staff: Ken Mardis DC, Brandon Cariello, Otis Harrison, Derrick Rice, Jessie Ceniceros Sr.
Last Year: 11-2
Last 5 Years: 32-25 overall, 16-14 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 Semifinals; Lost Garden Grove 35-23
1st Down: “If the left one don’t get you then the right one will...” This is the one-two punch of Elijhaa Penny and Billy Moore in the backfield.
2nd Down: Quarterback Donovan Gumbs is a playmaker...Just needs some reps.
3rd Down: Gotta love the Vasquez brothers Sal (6’1” 210) and Jose (6’1” 215) who bookend, as tight ends, the Lancers double-wing.  
4th Down: Best description of The Walk…is huge and ready to contend for Southeast title.  
Game Plan: Now in his third season Ceniceros has turned this program completely into his. Talent is off the charts... Including along the offensive line, which expects to plough the road all the way to La Mirada.
Non League Schedule: Los Alamitos, Cypress, at St. Paul, Morningside.

Mayfair Monsoons
Head Coach: Mike Fitch
Staff: Pete Montera OC, Woodie Grayson, Frank Montera, Lou Porch, Darrell Turner, Dave Driskell, Anthony Sesma, John Estores, Joe Wiersman, Bryan Kennenbrew, Andrew Nishimoto, Grant Fitch, Ian MacKenzie.
Last Year: 4-7
Last 5 years: 40-19 overall, 28-2 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 First Round: Lost Segerstrom 41-35
1st Down: On October 5th, 2001 the Monsoons lost to La Mirada (28-0) and last year on October 23rd they lost to La Mirada (42-12). In between they won 51 consecutive Suburban League games.
2nd Down: Evan Hunko is a big time prospect at quarterback and in Barney Lott, Justin Northern, John Pole, Jarred Cuellar, and Tali Afemata he has the trench warriors to go against Norwalk and La Mirada.
3rd Down: That line will also be opening holes for 1,000-yard back Dominique Small, who scored 15 touchdowns in 2009.
4th Down: There is even talent at middle linebacker in Bryan Kvapil and defensive back Theo Chambers.
Game Plan: Crossroads. This program knows how to win and where it wants to go it has been before. But with La Mirada and Norwalk’s rise to power are the Monsoons just another team in the Suburban Meyer League or was 2009 just a blip, a bad cycle.
Non League Schedule: Chino Hills, at Los Alamitos, at Lakewood, at Valley Christian.

Bellflower Buccaneers
Head Coach: Derek Brown
Last Year: 3-8
Last 5 Years: 24-30 overall, 18-12 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 First Round: Lost Garden Grove 41-13
1st Down: The Bucs are undersized of the Suburban.   
2nd Down: Dijon Barnes (WR) and Larreon White (RB) head the offense.
3rd Down: Rodney Purvis and Isaac Lee.  
4th Down: Need to settle at quarterback.
Game Plan: It will be tough for the Buccaneers to crack the top three and the season may be measures best by how competitive they are.
Non League Schedule: Montebello, Victor Valley, at Paramount, Troy.

Cerritos Dons  
Head Coach: Chad Reed
Last Year: 1-9
Last 5 Years: 7-43 overall, 4-26 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2001 Second Round: Lost Newport Harbor 36-25
1st Down: Have the kids grown up? The Dons played 16 sophomores last year.  
2nd Down: Only two players return from last year weighing over 250-pounds.
3rd Down: Eight years since last post season appearance.  
4th Down: 2-28 over last three seasons.  
Game Plan: Reed begins his second year as HC and the road is still long.  
Non League Schedule: Gabrielino, at Gahr, Los Alamitos.  

Artesia Pioneers
Head Coach: Joe Veach  
Last Year: 1-9
Last 5 Years: 24-29 overall, 16-14 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2008 First Round: Lost Laguna Hills 17-9
1st Down:  Speed but no brawn.
2nd Down: ‘Tesia paid the price last season with its third HC in three seasons.
3rd Down: The pressure will be on offensive linemen Josh Garcia (6’ 270) and Troy Sexton (6’ 245).  
4th Down: To improve the overall record the Pioneers will have to do better against its non-league schedule of Edison, Millikan, and Gahr. They were outscored 122-20 by them last season.
Game Plan: Veach deserves a shot, which means throw out last season’s 1-9 record and give him a chance to settle the waters and build. Talent can always and has always been mined at Artesia.   
Non League Schedule: Edison, Millikan, at Gahr.

Glenn Eagles
Head Coach: Anthony Wilson  
Last Year: 5-5
Last 5 Years: 12-38 overall, 2-28 league
Last Playoff Appearance: Long time ago, in another century…far, far away.
1st Down:  HC Wilson has picked up two league wins in two seasons, not bad when you consider the Eagles went 0-6 for three consecutive years in the Suburban.
2nd Down: Robert Durazo and Anthony Saldana add good size along the line.
3rd Down: Dejon Bernard is critical in replacing 1,000-yard back Brandon Kelly.  
4th Down: Could challenge for fourth spot in league.
Game Plan: This program is headed in the right direction? How long will it take to breakthrough, maybe not until one of the big three stumble.   
Non League Schedule: Santa Ana Valley, Pioneer, Villa Park.

Del Rio League  – (Teams listed in projected order of finish)

La Serna Lancers
Head Coach: Margarito Beltran  
Staff: Patrick Winchell OC, Andy George, Mike Ibarra, Bob Perumean, John Caballero, Dash Verstegan, Anthony Gonzalez Jr., Mike Orona, Bobby Espinoza, Taylor Boyd, Joe Ruiz, Noel Cabral, Ken Bennett.
Last Year: 3-7
Last 5 Years: 35-21 overall, 14-11 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2008 Second Round: Lost Rowland 52-28
1st Down: Few players received as much praise this spring/summer than quarterback Andrew Buenrostro, who excelled delivering the ball and got himself in excellent shape.
2nd Down: “This is the team to beat in the Del Rio this year, I’m telling you!” Says a Del Rio League assistant coach.
3rd Down: The traditional size (Bubba-Plus) all have come to expect just isn’t there for the Lancers this season. And where there is size there are questions on both sides of the trenches.
4th Down: Andrew Rosales returns along with a healthy Connor Burke to give Buenrostro to great targets at wide receiver. Richard Alvarez also returns to carry the rock. Points should come, but the pressure will be on linebacker Jake Houts and the defense to cut the 325-points surrendered in 2009 to a manageable level.
Game Plan: Picking a winner in the Del Rio like picking a phone at the AT&T kiosk, they all work but which one will last. The Lancers have a quarterback, playmakers, and more importantly a desire to bounce back from sub-par season a year ago..  
Non League Schedule: Bonita Vista, at Downey, L.B. Wilson, La Mirada, Warren.

Santa Fe Chiefs
Head Coach: Jack Mahlestede
Staff: Jeff Mahlestede DC, Robert Costa, Matt Lozano, Norberto Garrido, Matt Echeverria, Hector Hernandez, David Krumins, Thomas Lott, Ryan Bateman, Anthony Santana..
Last Year: 7-4
Last 5 Years: 45-15 overall, 20-5 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 First Round: Lost Crescenta Valley  27-24
1st Down: Since losing to Schurr in the 2006 CIF Finals, the Chiefs have lost three consecutive first round games, and the last two were at home.
2nd Down: As with La Serna, the brutes (in regards to size) just aren’t there in the trenches. New O-line assistant Norbert Guerrero (late of USC?NFL) should help production.
3rd Down: Christian Mahlestede got significant snaps over the summer and should be the starting quarterback. Justin Rincon remains in the mix..  
4th Down: Even with Andrew Jackon, Alex Flores, and Cameron Oliver the Chiefs only went 3-2 in league, including a loss to La Serna and a narrow escape against Whittier. Now those guys are gone.  
Game Plan: From the outside in this program looks like it has been in a funk since the heartaches of 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009 (that’s for starters)...On top of that DRL has become a league (with the exception of Pioneer) where old rules no longer apply. Anybody can be anybody. Of course the Chiefs will be competitive, but dominate? No.
Non League Schedule: Warren, Bonita, at Esperanza, at Charter Oak, Downey.

California Condors
Head Coach: Jim Arnold
Staff: Manuel Viera DC, Mando Padilla, Mario Padilla, Stephen La Carra, Nick Buehler.
Last Year: 9-3-1
Last 5 years: 41-18-1 overall, 20-5 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 Semifinals: Lost Charter Oak 38-10
1st Down: Adam Contreras can deliver the ball and should have enough around him to make the Condors offense click..
2nd Down: Trenchman Brandon Vaughn became a fire-eater over the summer and should have a great fall..
3rd Down: A new Terris Jones would be nice, but Arnold will have to make do with Aaron Garcia and bruiser Justin Dankert at fullback.
4th Down: Along with Vaughn, Joseph Zuniga, Daniel Huizar, Lance Hludzik, and Greg Martinez (the offensive line) will key all Condor success, especially in a DRL that is vulnerable all along the front..
Game Plan: Respect for Jim Arnold’s coaching staff is growing with two final four appearances in the last three seasons. In an even league scheming and coaching will mean everything. Cal will be pay some early dues, but should be ready by the time they open with Santa Fe.
Non League Schedule: at Rowland, at La Mirada, Sonora, Schurr, Montebello.

El Rancho Dons
Head Coach: Rick Zepeda
Staff: Joe Zepeda DC, James Constancion, Juan Vigil, Matt Parent, Rudy Saucedo, Justin Fejeian, Matt Lett, Andrew Jimenez..
Last Year: 5-6
Last 5 Years: 16-36 overall, 7-18 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 First Round: Lost Schurr 14-7

1st Down: Troy Campos steps in for the graduated Josh Perea..   
2nd Down: What backs Art Franco and Ronnel Lone lack in size they make up for in ability.
3rd Down: Daniel Moriel is a defender deluxe in the secondary..  
4th Down: Ten starters return for Zepeda..
Game Plan: The Ranch, one of the proudest programs in CIF, has had a long dry spell. Zepeda’s third year will be important in factoring whether or not the Dons have returned or have become just another team in the DRL..
Non League Schedule: Los Altos, Northview, at Bell Gardens, at Montebello, Fontana.

Whittier Cardinals
Head Coach: Walter Scott
Staff: Adrian Garcia OC, Manuel Amparano, Rene Rodriguez, Joseph Navarro, Andy Torres, Robert Arguiano, Martin Reyes..
Last Year: 5-5
Last 5 Years: 21-30 overall, 9-16 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2006 First Round: Westminster 28-21
1st Down: There’s a lot to like about defensive end/linebacker Kevin Medina..  
2nd Down: How effective they are may still be an open question but Alexander Rishton (6’2” 299) and Jeremy Lopez (5’11” 350) are the biggest dudes in the Jack Del Rio.
3rd Down: Ricardo Villanueva and Christopher Barclay will be charged with maintaining Scott’s powerful running game.  
4th Down: The Cardinals have produced a 1,000-yard back in five of the last six seasons (Alex Gonzalez-2009, Daniel Enriquez -2007-2008, Isaac Garcia-2006, and Luis Arredondo- 2004.  
Game Plan: The plan? Run the ball, burn the clock, keep the fast scoring offenses off the field. The Cards have been .500 or better in two of the last three seasons but still didn’t qualify for the dance. Just being good in the DRL, isn’t good enough..  
Non League Schedule: Chino, Pacifica, at Roosevelt, at Paramount, at Salesian..  

Pioneer Titans
Head Coach: Ramon Juarez  
Staff:
Last Year: 3-7
Last 5 Years: 15-34-1 overall, 5-20  league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2002 Second Round: Lost South Hills 22-7
1st Down:  The Olympians are not without talent, defensive back Ruben Robles is testimony to this.
2nd Down: Tony Botello is a fine running back.
3rd Down: But it’s not enough. They lack size along the front, an experienced quarterback, and play in a tough league.  
4th Down: Rigo Luquin is a solid linebacker.
Game Plan: Pioneer (Oh Pioneer!) always has good speed, if not the best of luck. The schedule builds, allowing a young team to ease into the season’s water. Lastly this is the Del Rio, anything is possible. ..   
Non League Schedule: at Glenn, vs. at Salesian, Sunny Hills, Cerritos, Rancho Alamitos..

Hacienda League- Teams listed in projected order of finish

West Covina Bulldogs
Head Coach: Mike Maggiore
Staff: Jason Heilman DC, Donny Allen, Corey Tello, George Johnson, Eric Hunter, Brian Murphy
Last Year: 7-5
Last 5 Years: 37-23 overall, 14-6 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 Second Round: Lost Charter Oak 35-10

1st Down: Anything less than the final four will be a major disappointment.
2nd Down: Lots of speed, lots of talent wide and in the backfield. If you don’t like Chris Solomon then you don’t like football. .  
3rd Down: George Johnson is in his third year as the starting quarterback.
4th Down: Maurice Dupleasis heads a defense that includes Deion Steppes, Roger Paez, and Justin Meaders.
Game Plan:  Names like B.J. Lee, Charles Tucker and an offensive line featuring Mike Cortez, Mark Laffin, and Joseph Gibson give indication WestCo will be physical in prepping for a deep post-season run.
Non League Schedule: Covina, Venice, at South Hills (Covina District Field).

Diamond Ranch Panthers
Head Coach: Roddy Layton
Staff: Al Brown, Mario Gomez, Keda Firemaniel, Steve Carter, Anthony Cavalero, Andrew Ariega, Charles London.
Last Year: 7-7
Last 5 Years: 28-32 overall, 12-9 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 CIF Final Lost Charter Oak 21-0

1st Down: Gus Viramontes dominated at quarterback the last two seasons, now its up to a dominate squad of returners to aid new starter Cesar Carrillo.
2nd Down: The Miracle Men are plentiful in Aaron Almond and Jacoby Carter in space, and Chase Price carrying the ball. Keep an eye on Bryant Cox, Andrew Fischer, and Marquis Cherry.
3rd Down: Omar Sanchez and Jeremy Stucker will be the keys in the trenches.
4th Down: Speaking of Miracle Men, kicker Jeff Stamps has a big enough boot to make the heavens stop the rain.
Game Plan:  Of course there is talent, even though a lot of talent left with diplomas in June. The factor here is Layton and the respect he garners from those in the know. Believe is Layton could take Torosian, Tolegian, Peterson, Robledo, Barker & Stevie R., go 5-5 and make the playoffs. The point D-Ranch will be a factor because of what late does with the talent on hand.
Non League Schedule: at Santa Margarita, Damien, Elsinore, at Chaffey.

Bonita Bearcats
Head Coach: Eric Podley
Staff: Randy Medina DC, Ronald Reclusado, Joshua Keepfer, L.T. Gardner, Andrew Rodriguez, Tony Arriola, Kevin Knosp, Adrian Melamo.
Last Year: 3-8
Last 5 Years: 30-23 overall, 11-9 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 First Round: Lost 28-21

1st Down: The first half of the season will come down to Greg Spathias. So far so good, the San Dimas will tell the rest when they go to battle in front 8,000 for the Smudge Pot.   
2nd Down:  Giamani Johnson and K.C Huth (also getting snaps at QB), along with Reggie Turner will help the ground game, but the play of Tarez Lemmons and Cody McKenzie along the front will be critical.
3rd Down: Not many are better than Casey Horine he’ll help at wide receiver, but heaven help those he hits on defense. Also Cameron Salce is a name that needs and should come up big this fall (a ‘Bad Dude’ type).
4th Down: Garrett Pendleton should be back for the meat part of the Hacienda schedule, but it may be too much to ask him to play savior. The Bearcats will have to step up.
Game Plan: There’s not a team in the Hacienda Bonita can’t match up with. If they can start 2010, the way they closed 2009 they should be in good shape. The league schedule opens with Diamond Bar and Los Altos...This team could be 5-1 when they welcome Walnut in the third week of October.            
Non League Schedule: San Dimas, Claremont, at Santa Fe, at Baldwin Park.

Walnut Mustangs
Head Coach: Michael O’Shields
Staff: Ryan O'Shields DC, Paul Acosta, Ralph Warren, Eric Peralta, Charles Wallace, Marcus Lepp.  
Last Year: 7-3  
Last 5 Years: 18-32 overall, 4-16 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2004 Semifinals Lost West Covina 31-27

1st Down: Who’s the quarterback? Brandon Roach has had a great spring/summer and is looking to take command.
2nd Down: Mustangs are looking a little undersized up front...
3rd Down: ...but Randy Collins and Alejandro Restrepo are carnivores from their linebacking spots.
4th Down: No one should doubt Aubrey Coleman’s willingness to mix. Arguments abound about whether or not he’s a receiver or this, or that...But you cannot dispute that Coleman is a football player.
Game Plan: There’s a lot of energy and expectations for the Walnut program. Gone is the big bad San Antonio, and it its place is the bigger, badder, Hacienda. The Mustang faithful haven’t tasted the playoffs since 2004. Health and a solid performance by Roach could get them there.
Non League Schedule: Troy, at Claremont, Covina, Northview.

Rowland Raiders
Head Coach: Craig Snyder
Staff: Harry Robinson OC, Ryan Jackson, Cameron Tucker, Todd Ball, Ron Cooper, Benny Avila, Miles Marinez, Felipe Aguilar.
Last Year: 8-3
Last 5 Years: 38-20 overall, 13-7 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009 First Round: Lost California 55-27

1st Down: Trenchman Joseph Chong added an inch and 15-pounds to his frame, he now goes 6’3” 302...and is only a junior.
2nd Down:  Two Snyder needs now: WR Oscar Gonzalez and RB Irvin Crawford, who has the potential to be special this season.
3rd Down: Louie Valdez, who can bruise at FB, is key at middle linebacker on defense.
4th Down: ...and of course Michael Ball...and Leonardo Freeman need to stay healthy
Game Plan:  Snyder’s team never looks impressive along the front line, at least until this year. If he can get the technique and quickness out of guys like Chong that he got before from other players, the Raiders could do more than ‘just’ qualify for the playoffs. Ball is a Miracle Man, very little he can’t do on the football field.
Non League Schedule:  at Baldwin Park, California, Rosemead, at Claremont

Diamond Bar Brahmas
Head Coach: John Martin
Staff: Ryan Maine OC, Scott Usher DC, Rod Richard, Eddie Garcia, Chris Hernandez, Keith Brown, Chapelle Brown, Travis Brow, Andy Zaldivar, Jack Cooprider, Jeff Cameron.
Last Year: 1-9
Last 5 Years: 12-37-1 overall, 3-22 league  
Last Playoff Appearance: 2003 Second Round: Lost Mission Viejo 52-18

1st Down: Martin’s got an impressive coaching staff featuring Chapelle and Keith Brown.
2nd Down: Major problemo? There are zero bubbas in the trenches.
3rd Down:  Andrew Cameron is back and capable at quarterback with a set of top notch glove men in Neil Ignacio and George Katrib. Name to remember; Frankie Martinez.
4th Down: Wild Card? Jamaal Clayton, a star waiting to happen.
Game Plan: The Brahmas lack size, but they’ve got skill enough to compete against Walnut, Los Altos, Rowland, and perhaps Bonita...But the lack of brute strength will hurt against D-Ranch and WestCo.
Non League Schedule: Nogales, Don Lugo, at Wilson, Brea Olinde.

Los Altos Conquerors
Head Coach: Jim Arellanes
Staff: Louie Zamora OC, Joel Ledesma DC, Bill Tolmachoff, Dale Ziola, Steve Burke, Ian Yates, Kevin Argumosa, Matt Leyva, Jorge Samia.
Last Year: 3-7
Last 5 Years: 24-31 overall, 7-13 league
Last Playoff Appearance: 2006 Semifinals Lost El Dorado 14-7

1st Down: The Conquerors have not made the playoffs since 2006.
2nd Down: ...If they make the playoffs in 2010 a statue should be cast in Arellanes’ image.
3rd Down: Frankie Avalos is the player, TE/LB, that stands out on this team. In times of trouble OC Ledesma should give Avalos the ball and run him behind Jared Covarrubias.
4th Down: La’Don Avery can make plays, so can Scott Tibbs, but they are going to have to make those plays in the Hacienda. Not happening.
Game Plan:  Arellanes has assembled an excellent coaching staff, after a slew of transfers moved on, the players that want to be Conquerors are in place, but he needs time. And time is a scare commodity in the Heights these days.
Non League Schedule: at El Rancho, at Bellflower, Wilson, Ayala.