MARQUISE WILLIAMS

The senior was the complete player on and off the field. No showboating. All talk on the field. The kid rushed for 2,051 yards and scored 25 touchdowns while leading Monrovia to the semifinals of the CIF-SS Mid-Valley Division playoffs. I wasn't impressed when he played against Arcadia but he proved his worth as the season went on. He anticipates the defense well and has all the attributes you'd want in a true running back: speed, agility, toughness and a high football IQ. He has the size (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) to stiff-arm a DB or lower his shoulder for the extra yard. Here's hoping we see Williams carrying the ball for Arizona State next season.

There were players on the Star-News All-Area team who I didn't see as much but would have loved to watch a game or two. Here is the list of players I did thoroughly enjoyed watch play "From the Sidelines":

Jordan Canada, Duarte, Jr., RB -- He'll be a lot of fun to watch next season, too. He needs to stay healthy and if he is, watch out! He'll arguably be the fastest running back next year. Watching him sprint down the sidelines against Monrovia in the playoffs was quite a sight.

Todd Golper, Arcadia, Sr., LB -- As a fellow UCLA Bruin fan I'm glad he's headed to Westwood. Dude can not only take a hit but he can give them as well. You know you're football-smart when your coach lets you call plays from the sidelines while wearing headphones, too. Monrovia vs. Arcadia: Golper took a sick hit to the helmet and popped right back up, fired as ever. I was just three feet away from where the hit happen. Ouch.

Jarron Williams, Muir, Jr., QB -- This kid is going to be something special next season. He's not as mobile as Reuben Thomas but he's patient and doesn't frustrate easily. He has the arm and his play-selection is not predictable. Simply put: he's a play-maker.

Reuben Thomas, Muir, Sr., AP -- He was Mr. Everything but it was fun watching him carry the ball on play action. His elusive speed and toughness easily makes him one of the best in the entire San Gabriel Valley.

Myles Campbell, Muir, Sr., WR -- Coach Howard said he was going to have a breakout season and he did. Caught for nearly 800 yards. Making one-handed catches with a host of defenders (ahem, Arcadia) made him one of the flashiest wide receivers in the area.

Tra Sumler, Rosemead, Sr., RB -- Nothing fancy, just gets the job done, and there ain't nothin' wrong with dat. It was just another day in the office for Sumler against Temple City when I saw him. Trampling over Ram defenders for nearly 300 yards rushing.

Max Ruckle, Temple City, Jr., RB -- Shall we start the battle of Ruckle vs. Canada already? Mark my words, these two kids are going to have an unbelievable season next year. Ruckle is your old-school, retro running back: following his lineman and exploiting the open seams. He's not as fast as Canada but he'll find a way to break the middle. Ruckle turned it into a rushing clinic against Paraclete in the first half.

Scott Dooley, San Marino, Sr., RB -- I interviewed him the week leading up to the Titans' game against Hoover. I thought, "This kid is rushing all these yards?" He looked small but he used his weakness (height) to his advantage (speed). He hid behind his stout offensive line and sneaked up on defenders, who by the time realized where he was were trailing the play into the end zone.

Dietrich Riley, St. Francis, Jr., DB -- When I saw Riley against Crescenta Valley I thought this kid is the real deal. He has a keen eye and his leadership skills on the field were well on display. There's a reason dude was offered a scholarship from USC his sophomore season. Don't be surprised if Riley's role at running back is increased next season. But no doubt he turned heads when he was on defense.

For whatever reason, USC's Rey Maualuga got the urge to freak dance. The innocent victim: ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews.

By the way, after USC's thrashing over Penn State, does anybody else still really think there shouldn't be a playoff system? Ugh.

MaxPreps released its California All-State Football teams over the weekend. Congratulations to the four area players who were selected: Dietrich Riley (St. Francis); Eddie Garcia (Rio Hondo Prep): Tra Sumler (Rosemead); and Bobby Maldonado (Rosemead).

California Division II All-State Team
Player of the Year: Tyler Gaffney, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego), 6-0, 215, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Darren Bennett, Tulare Union, Central Section Division 2 Champions, 13-0.

Division II First Team Defense
DB - Tra Sumler, Rosemead, 5-11, 205, Sr
The Pasadena Star-News player of the year, Sumler ran for 2,451 yards on the season with 33 touchdowns and also had 15 sacks on defense. Helped the Panthers post an 11-2 record and reach the Mid-Valley Division championship game.

Second Team, Defense
P - Bobby Maldonado, Rosemead, 5-11, 185, Sr
One of the top kickers in the state, Maldonado could also punt the ball as he averaged 42 yards a kick with 14 landing inside the 20. He also had 47 touchbacks on kickoffs and booted nine field goals during the season.

California Division III All-State Team
Player of the Year: QB - Derek Carr, Bakersfield Christian (Bakersfield), 6-3, 195, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Scott Turner, Sutter, Northern Section Division II Champions, 11-1

Division III First Team Defense

DB - Dietrich Riley, St. Francis (La Canada), 6-2, 175, Jr
Riley has received interest from several major colleges after a strong junior season that saw him earn all-area honors from the Los Angeles Daily News and the Pasadena Star-News. Had 39 tackles on defense, but also rushed for 1,034 yards on offense.

California Division IV All-State Team
Player of the Year: RB - Cierre Wood, Santa Clara (Oxnard), 6-1, 210, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Harry Welch, St. Margaret's, Small Schools State Champs, 15-0

Division IV Second Team Defense

DL - Eddie Garcia, Rio Hondo Prep (Arcadia), 5-10, 200, Sr
Garcia was selected to the Pasadena Star-News all-area second team after helping lead Rio Hondo to the Northeast Division championship. Garcia finished the season with 100 tackles and five sacks.

Click here for the Division I All-State team.

For a complete Division II, III and IV lists, click on thread.

The move is over. I'm officially a South Pasadena resident and it's back to business as usual. Some of you have been annoyed at my absence (Earth to Miguel) but I'm back in full force with the intent to have you covered in every angle: blog, notebook, gamers and columns. It's been a hectic two weeks but it's over now and I'm ready to get my hands dirty. Hope you all had a great holiday season.

While I was gone I.....(feel free to play along)

...Got done moving into my new house

...Tried to figure out how to clean hardwood floors

...Did way too much shopping for one person

...Spent New Year's alone for the fifth straight year; made my final trip unloading

...Covered the La Canada/Temple City Holiday Classic where La Canada and Alhambra played in a fabulous championship game. Clarke Anderson led the Spartans to a frenzy win over the Moors.

...The La Canada girls basketball team advanced to the New Year's Ball Tournament but lost to Agoura in the finals.

...Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, the Star-News' No. 1 team girls soccer team, finished December undefeated against the area teams they played with wins over Maranatha, Monrovia, La Salle, Pasadena, Mayfield and Flintridge Prep, outscoring those teams, 10-3. Overall, they are 8-3-2 on the season despite starting six freshman.

... The Monrovia boys soccer team is 11-0-3 and are winning with superb defense which has allowed only six goals thus far. The Wildcats won the Bosco Tech Tournament where they did not allow a goal and scored 14 in four games also claimed the Ontario Holiday Tournament championship.

Not mentioned? E-mail your information every Monday to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com and keep me posted. Parents, athletic directors and coaches are encouraged to send weekly updates. This will enhance our coverage.

Happy New Year from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Fred Robledo, Steve Ramirez and I are writing stories from today's game, so lets just make this the Penn State-USC game thread. Before the BCS, this was a classic Big-10, Pac-10 showdown, and both teams probably would have been playing for a piece of the national title. It wasn't a consolation bowl, which is the feeling coming out of the USC camp after missing the BCS championship game, played next week between Florida and Oklahoma, two other 10-1 teams. If there isn't going to be a playoff system, go back to the old way and let the writers and coaches decide in the polls. Why do you have to pick two 10-1 teams and say, "This is the national title game." You can't say Penn State or USC isn't just as deserving. You can't say undefeated teams like Utah have no say either. Let's see how Utah does in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama, and then decide. Prior to the BCS, everyone played, and the voters decided after the games who the champion was. We should all be in favor of a playoff, but until that day is here, get rid of the BCS and go back to the way it was.

I've made my New Year's resolution. Have you? Part of my resolution will be that you won't recognize me come football season. Shredding the pounds for good will be one of a short list of goals I have for the New Year. Come June 2009 I will have come full circle with the high school sports season, which means I'll know what to expect in the upcoming season, meaning better analysis, more updates and better gossip. So stick around for what I promise will be some good years ahead. I'll be reporting live from the Rose Bowl with Freddy Robledo and Steve Ramirez. Be safe and enjoy the New Year!!

Discuss anything and everything you want....

Sorry I've kept you guys out of the loop. It's not on purpose I promise you. In a week I'll be moving into my new town house in South Pasadena, which means I have to be out of my old apartment by the 31st, this Wednesday. That's what's been keeping me busy off the blog and limited to game assignments/Rose Bowl coverage. Things will settle back to normal by the start of next week, I hope. No longer will I be dreading the 40 minute drive from Downey to Pasadena to arrive early in the morning and no more hour-plus drive home in traffic. I'll be loving the 14-minute drive to and from work, which means I'll be much more productive, at least that's the main plan =) As for tonight, I will be heading to the La Salle-Temple City Classic in a bit where I'll cover St. Francis vs. La Canada at 7:30 p.m. at La Salle High. Andrew J. Campa will cover the other semifinal, Alhambra vs. Montebello at Temple City High, 7:30 p.m. About a week ago, I had planned on posting a Top 10 moments in WSGV Preps ala Robledo's Top 10 Sports Stories. But I've been working here only four months and it's probably not enough a time to compile such a list. That's where you come in. What are your top stories of the year. Fill me in. Just for kicks, the best football game I ever covered this year had to be without a doubt La Salle vs. Maranatha, my pick for Game of the Year.

Player of the Year: Tra Sumler
School: Rosemead High
Year: Senior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205
Notable: The senior was the premiere running back in the San Gabriel Valley. His speed and strength made him hard to bring down and also made him one of the best linebackers in the area. He rushed for 2,451 yards and 33 touchdowns, averaging nearly 190 yards per game. He led the Panthers to a Mission Valley League championship and to the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game.

Coach of the Year: Ken Drain
School: Rio Hondo Prep
Years: 20th
Notable: Led the Kares to their 12th CIF championship with a win over Riverside Christian in the CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division championship game. Rio Hondo Prep also clinched the Prep League title with the help of two 1,000 yards+ rushers in Tim Esguerra and Antonio Alanis.

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Isaac Valdez, San Gabriel, Jr.
RB: Marquise Willliams, Monrovia, Sr.
RB: Jordan Canada, Duarte, Jr.
AP: Reuben Thomas, Muir, Sr.
WR: Marcos Villalobos, San Gabriel, Sr.
WR: Mitchell Crockom, Alhambra, Jr.
WR: Myles Campbell, Muir, Sr.
OL: Chris Flores, Rosemead, Sr.
OL: Matt Calver, Monrovia, Sr.
OL: Josh Ouellette, Temple City, Sr.
OL: Tim Starr, Duarte, Sr.
OL: Joseph De Leon, Muir, Sr.
K: Brian Gonzalez, Alhambra, Sr.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Rian Younker, St. Francis, Sr.
DL: Fernando Aguilar, Muir, Sr.
DL: Edward Vasquez, Rosemead, Jr.
LB: Todd Golper, Arcadia, Sr.
LB: Nick Conora, Temple City, Sr.
LB: Gilbert De La Rosa, Rosemead, Sr.
LB: Joe Vazquez, Monrovia, Sr.
DB: Dietrich Riley, St. Francis, Jr.
DB: Steven Yortsos, San Marino, Jr.
DB: Mitchell Garner, Muir, Sr.
SS: Marcus Graves, Muir, Sr.
P: Bobby Maldonado, Rosemead, Sr.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Matt Schilz, Maranatha, Sr.
RB: Max Ruckle, Temple City, Jr.
RB: Scott Dooley, San Marino, Sr.
AP: Jarron Williams, Muir, Jr.
WR: Terell Cornell, Maranatha, Jr.
WR: Steven Colliau, South Pasadena, Sr.
WR: Gianni Bruno-Lopez, Temple City, Sr.
OL: Nick La Croix, Arcadia, Sr.
OL: Luis Diaz, Rosemead, Jr.
OL: Joe McMahon, San Marino, Sr.
OL: Alejandre Bobadilla, San Gabriel, Sr.
OL: Robert Felton, Muir, Sr.
K: Eric Chalifour, Pasadena Poly, Sr.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Ryan Watkins, Temple City, Jr.
DL: Paul Devine, Muir, Sr.
DL: Eddie Garcia, Rio Hondo Prep, Sr.
LB: Michael Weston, La Cañada, Sr.
LB: Joey Diaz, Rosemead, Jr.
LB: Frankie Villalobos, San Gabriel, Sr.
LB: Josh Lowden, Monrovia, Jr.
DB: Kendal Boggs, Monrovia, Sr.
DB: Joey Stewart, Temple City, Sr.
DB: Bobby Michael, Monrovia, Sr.
SS: Cesar Chavez, Rosemead, Sr.
P: Daniel Cisic, San Marino, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR FIRST-TEAM CAPSULES, HONORABLE MENTION AND THE FINAL STAR-NEWS FOOTBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS

"You spoke to soon about disappointments; this blog has a bad odor to it. Dude come up with something that people want to comment on. Numbers are the same because people are coming in to see what you have posted but leave without commenting when they see what seems to be no effort on your part. Come on Miguel bring something interesting to the table." -- I'm just say'in

I don't know what I'm just say'in's problem is but I wish him a happy holiday as well. Truth is, I've never been one to look forward to the holidays (hence the picture above) given that I have not been home for every major holiday the last five years (welcome to the glamorous life of a sportswriter). Slowly but surely I'm getting into the spirit of it all, but this isn't to say I'm not appreciative and thankful this time a year. I would like to thank all our correspondents who helped us with football coverage this season. Sometimes you hated what they wrote and sometimes you loved them. But without them no way we cover every game in the San Gabriel Valley. There's a reason why football fans from the Antelope Valley, San Diego and Los Angeles areas come to our blog and read our coverage. Special thanks to correspondents John Honell, Scott French, Mike Baca, Casey Cranford, Ismael Reynoso, Ariel Carmona, Bruce Little, Rudy Ramos, Mike Munford, Casey Thompson, Ali Jawad, Jerry Luna, Henry Montemayor, Ross Kimsey, Miguel Arcieniega, John Sherrard, Jeremy Balan, Nathan Cambridge, Nathan Hawkins, Royce Kirkland, Guillermo Tovar, Rick Matthauser, Ed Russell, Jason Lowder, James Moya, Mario Aguirre and Elizabeth Botello. I want to thank every blogger who has helped me become a better sportswriter and every critic and praise from parents, coaches and sports fans. Thank you for taking me in your beloved community and for making me feel like a celebrity when I'm out and about in the SGV. Even when I covered the Lakers I'd never get that kind of treatment. Well, maybe just a little. Special thanks to Star-News Editor Frank Pine, Managing Editor Steve Hunt and Tribune preps editor Freddy Robledo for the opportunity to work here after five long absent years from the SGV. Thanks to my colleagues at the Tribune and Star-News who have welcomed me with open arms and thanks to our wonderfully patient sports copy desk who never seem to get annoyed at my last-minute revisions. I am building a fort here on Colorado and Lake that will only get stronger and better in the months to come. FYI, the Pasadena Star-News 2008 All Area Football Team will publish Christmas Day and will be up on the blog at 5:30 a.m. for those who can't wait to let the holiday smack-talking to begin. That's it for now, folks. Enjoy the holidays and be safe. From my family to yours, Feliz Navidad.

POOL A:
Filmmore
Flintridge Sacred Heart
La Cañada
La Salle

POOL B:
Agoura
Arcadia
Flintridge Prep
Serr

All games at La Cañada High School gym

Friday's Games:
Arcadia vs. Flintridge Prep, 2:30 p.m.
Agoura vs. Serra, 4 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Flintridge Sacred Heart, 5:30 p.m.
La Salle vs. Fillmore, 7 p.m.

Saturday's Games:
Arcadia vs. Serra, 2:30 p.m.
Flintridge Prep vs. Agoura, 4 p.m.
La Cañada vs. La Salle, 5:30 p.m.
Filmore vs. Flintridge Sacred Heart, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 29
Agoura vs. ARcadia, 2:30 p.m.
Serra vs. Flintridge Prep, 4 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Filmore, 5:30 p.m.
Flintridge Sacred Heart vs. La Salle, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Pool A 4th place vs. Pool B 4th place, 2:30 p.m.
Pool A 3rd place vs. Pool B 3rd place, 4 p.m.
Pool A 2nd place vs. Pool B 2nd place, 5:30 p.m.
Pool A 1st place vs. Pool B 1st place, 7 p.m.

POOL A:
Salesian
La Cañada
Santa Clara
Village Christian

POOL B:
Burbank
Golden Valley
Grace Brethren
Maranatha

All games at La Cañada High School

Friday's Games
Burbank vs. Maranatha, 3 p.m.
Grace Brethren vs. Golden Valley, 4:30 p.m.
Salesian vs. Village Christian, 6 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Santa Clara, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday's Games
Maranatha vs. Grace Brethren, 3 p.m.
Golden Valley vs. Burbank, 4:30 p.m.
Village Christian vs. Santa Clara, 6 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Salesian, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 29
Santa Clara vs. Salesian, 3 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Village Christian, 4:30 p.m.
Burbank vs. Grace Brethren, 6 p.m.
Maranatha vs. Golden Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Pool A 4th place vs. Pool B 4th place, 3 p.m. (For 7th and 8th place)
Pool A 3rd place vs. Pool B 3rd place, 4:30 p.m. (For 5th and 6th place)
Pool A 2nd place vs. Pool B 2nd place, 6 p.m. (For 3rd and 4th place)
Pool A 1st place vs. Pool B 1st place, 7:30 p.m. (For 1st and 2nd place)

I wouldn't know what it's like to be a parent, and I don't know that I want to. But I can only wonder how most parents spend their holidays. I know I've spent most of my major holidays covering major sporting events (like the Rose Bowl) but for the first time this season I will have Christmas day off. While most families take vacations I will be covering holiday tournaments as I'm sure most of you will be attending (as if you had a choice) your son and/or daughter's basketball or soccer tournaments. But unlike just about every high school varsity team in the area, the La Cañada High School girls soccer team will not be taking part in a holiday tournament. La Cañada coach Louie Bilowitz has had it that way since 1994 when he realized that his son's senior year would probably be the last time they could all take a vacation. Since then, Bilowitz has opted to not play in holiday tournaments, realizing most families would rather take the holiday break to vacation as a family, perhaps for the last time before the kids head off to college. "I've coached the girls now for five years and coached the boys for 15 years," Bilowitz said. "When my son was a senior in high school in 1994 I realized that he was going to be going to college and summer he'd be with friends and that was the last time we were going to be with him." The parents were not only receptive to the idea but appreciative. So where will you be this holiday break?

Congratulations to all who were selected players of the years, coach of the years, first-teamers, second-teamers and honorable mention!

Boys Water Polo: Wednesday, Dec. 24
Football: Thursday, Dec. 25
Girls Cross Country: Friday, Dec. 26
Boys Cross Country: Saturday, Dec. 27
Girls Volleyball: Sunday, Dec. 28
Girls Tennis: Tuesday, Dec. 30

From Rivals:

ORLANDO (Fla.) - It doesn't take long to realize Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas is a national championship-caliber football team.

Just ask a coach who has been at the top of the high school football universe.

"They are the best, no doubt about that," Lakeland coach Bill Castle said after falling to the national champion Raiders in Florida's Class 5A state championship game.

Castle led the Dreadnaughts (14-1) to a pair of national championships in 2005 and 2006, but he could not come up with any solutions to stopping St. Thomas (15-0) in a 56-7 drubbing Friday in Orlando, Fla., a game that clinched the RivalsHigh national title for the Raiders.

It marked the first national championship and fifth state title for St. Thomas and coach George Smith, who has guided the Raiders for 32 years. Three of the last four national champions came out of Florida's Class 5A, which is arguably one of the most challenging divisions in the country.

"If you win the state championship in the state of Florida, you've got a decent football team no matter what class you are in," Smith said. "We didn't talk about that [the national championship], but if that comes with it, that is a very unbelievable event."

Click here to read the rest of the story and for a list of the nation's Top 100 teams.

When I covered Major League Soccer at The Register I was well-known for asking the tough questions whether it was after a game, practice or at a press conference. I'm sure U.S. Soccer men's national team head coach Bob Bradley would admit it and so would every executive/coach who has worked and works for Chivas USA, my first pro beat as a 20-year-old sportswriter (of course when I covered the Lakers I let the big boys do the heavy lifting). But after listening to Rob Parker's tone and his last question not only did he clearly cross the line but it sounded personal despite what he wrote in his column today on the Detroit News website. Parker goes on to write in his column how he and Rosemead native Rod Marinelli have had talks after press conferences and their mutual respect for one another. Heck, even former Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley pulled me aside one time after a soccer practice and asked me why I wrote a critical story, calling a 0-0 tie tasteless. We talked for a good 20 minutes about the game, his experience coaching the Chicago Fire and comparing the media in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. There was also that one time Bradley yelled at me for continually asking whether one of his best players was in fact pondering to leave the club. Turned out I was right; the player left to Mexico. And his predecessor (Preki) and I went at it, too, after a report that the team was trading a marquee player. I was sure there was video footage of it but I can't find it and I know there is audio recording because there were five other reporters who watched it unfold. Coaches/players/executives reach a level of comfort with the media. When Bradley was hired as the U.S. MNT coach I approached him and said it was probably the last time I'd interview him since I was thinking about leaving journalism to go to law school. He wished me well, shook my hand and had words of encouragement for me. The point is there's a difference between asking tough questions, staying professional and acknowledging respect for one another as opposed to crossing the line, something Parker clearly did

From Steve Ramirez (AKA The Instigator) on Robledo's blog:

There's an old saying in politics, whether you are republican or democrat, that thou shall never speak ill of another party member.

The Lions problem lies not with the coaching staff, but with the players that former team president Matt Millen put together. I reflect back to motor sports, and what Al Unser Jr. once told me, and that was that if two cars are close in performance, the better driver can make a difference. But if one car is clearly quicker, the best driver in the world is not going to make that difference up. It's the same in team sports, where if the gap in talent level is too great, the best coaching staff in the world is not going to be able to win with it.
I guess Parker doesn't know that. And the Fox Sports staff agrees with me, listen to what they say at the end of the video.

It wasn't long ago I was lambasted for an article I wrote being critical of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. I asked U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati a few years ago what his thoughts were about coaches saying the academy undermined high school competition, specifically in Southern California. He compared me to Mr. Jack Bell for asking such a question which he answered vaguely if I recall. FYI, Jack Bell is a journalist for The New York Times.

In a soccer preview a few years ago, here's how I ended my report:

U.S. Soccer Development Academy a hit?

The West Coast Classic in January is one of the toughest high school tournaments in the nation. Case closed? Time will tell.

I will get into this subject more as we get closer to league play, but the consensus among high school coaches is the academy is doing more harm than good. With this side of town being a hot bed for youth soccer, I wonder what are the parents' thoughts of the academy and if you prefer the academy over high school competition where there is just as much exposure, if not more. What schools and/or players are still being affected by the academy and why should kids make the grueling decision, playing for your high school team or the Academy? I know this was a hotly contested issue in Orange County, but there are other soccer hotbeds, this part of town included.

Click here to read what my boy Jaime Cardenas, formerly of the Los Angeles Times, wrote on the Academy.

And ... for a complete break down of the Academy by Jaime Cardenas, click here.

For the record, Cardenas and I cover high school soccer together in Orange County while he worked at the Los Angeles Times and I with the Orange County Register. We had numerous debates over the Academy and the plan was to both write explanatory reports on the academy, but just as I was about to report on it I was promoted from Major League Soccer to Lakers/Angels while Cardenas got heavily involved in the origins of the academy as you can tell by his well-done reporting.

Discuss anything and everything you want....

Above: Stop raising your hand, Joey Diaz, the Panthers are still the No. 1 team.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16 at precisely 9:21 a.m. I created the "final" top 10 rankings. I had been getting a lot of heat already for not having a photographer at the Rio Hondo Prep game and again for not having a story about the Kares in Tuesday's paper. I figured, heck, why not ruffle every one else's feathers by giving them a spoof top 10 poll. That's exactly what I did. I was telling Freddy how I thought I was losing my readers/comments on the blog. The truth is, I hadn't lost my readers. In fact, our numbers were up! What hadn't been coming in as much as I'd want were the comments. So I somewhat randomly guessed the final top 10 rankings to get Stang Fan, MADD DOGG and others to come out of hibernation and keep the conversation going (would you REALLY think I'd end the final top 10 rankings WITHOUT a 10th-ranked team?!?!?) After all, isn't that what a blog is all about?

THE STAR-NEWS FINAL TOP 10 RANKINGS

1. ROSEMEAD (11-3) -- The Panthers can compete with just about any team in the San Gabriel Valley. They're loaded in the trenches, they have a good passing QB and of course Tra Sumler. Still, I wonder why Koffler didn't hand the ball to Sumler more often. Sure, he had 28 carries but against Monrovia he had at least 10 more carries. Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda. Rosemead had a fantastic season and made the West, err, San Gabriel Valley proud.

2. MUIR (9-2) -- The "One and done" wonder was fun to watch all season. I think I caught at least three games. Kenny Howard said Myles Campbell would have a breakout season and he did, catching nearly 800 yards receiving. The Mustangs have weapons at just about every position to compete with the big boys, whether it's on the defensive line (Fernando Aguilar and Paul Devine), at quarterback (Jarron Williams) or at receiver and running back (Campbell and Reuben Thomas). If Chris Dunlap was healthy all season who's to say Muir doesn't fare better against Diamond Ranch in the first round of the Southeast Division playoffs. That might be far fetched, or is it? It doesn't bode well that the Pacific League was weak this season. The Mustangs needed some stiff competition before the playoffs began but they didn't get it, and then came the Panthers; starving for a playoff win which may have ultimately been what caught Muir off guard.

3. MONROVIA (10-3) -- Steve Garrison to Ryan Maddox. The legend passed the torch to a legend-to-be. What Maddox did at Monrovia was amazing. Pundits are asking, "Who did they really beat?" but one must give credit where credit is due. Maddox inherited the schedule the Wildcats played this season. If I was a betting man, Maddox would have a tougher preseason schedule. The Monrovia staff at one point asked themselves whether they should scrap the Wing-T offense. But Maddox opted to continue with it and Monrovia improved week after week, riding Marquise Williams to the semifinals.

4. ST. FRANCIS (6-5) -- In each of their final three games, the Golden Knights fell victim to a bad call here or there from the officials. This is not to say St. Francis shouldn't shoulder the blame for not capitalizing on opportunities, but there's little doubt the Golden Knights are talented. With Dietrich Riley returning next season and a more mobile QB in Justin Posthuma, look for St. Francis to climb the mountain next season and compete for the Mission League title and past the first round of the Western Division playoffs. And here's hoping a Muir vs. St. Francis happens next season. The community deserves it.

5. TEMPLE CITY (7-5-1) -- The Rams showed for at least one half against Paraclete in the semifinals of what a complete team playing in sync can do. Temple City had Paraclete on the ropes but faltered in the second half. If you thought the Rams played well this season wait until next season when a junior-loaded line returns next season to block for junior Max Ruckle, who rushed for most of his yards late in the season. Morgan Hatch did most of the intangibles that perhaps went unnoticed to a not so keen eye, but anybody with football knowledge knows how valuable he was to the team. The guess here is Tim Loya will not be taking a head coaching position. So much time and dedication goes into coaching and it gets much tougher when you're a head coach that is NOT a teacher on campus. Randy Backus has been back on campus teaching for a week now, and It's unfair for the Temple City administration to have Backus wondering whether he'll return as coach or not. Give the man a break and get it over with whatever decision they've probably already come to a conclusion with.

6. DUARTE (6-6) -- Come to think of it, there are so many exciting players to be on the look out for next season including Jordan Canada. The junior rushed for nearly 2,000 yards. The Falcons lose some big boys on the line but Wardell Crutchfield III is showing promising signs. He was the leading tackler for Duarte and he's only a sophomore. Too bad Canada wasn't healthy all season long. Who knows how more exciting the MD Classic would have been.

7. SAN MARINO (8-3) -- The Titans had a promising start. They played simple but effective football with Scott Dooley running circles around defenders. But he was able to do that because of a big line led by Joe McMahon. Who knows what happens if Steven Wright doesn't go down to an injury. The Titans likely would have had a more balanced offense. San Marino raised eyebrows with wins over San Gabriel and Cantwell, but lost some luster with losses to Temple City, Monrovia and then Paraclete, the eventual Mid-Valley Division champion. Still, they were able to create some buzz in a community that seemingly had forgotten about football.

8. SAN GABRIEL (5-6) -- The Matadors were on the cusp of making a nice turnaround, only to lose to a questionable La Serna team in the first round of the Southeast Division playoffs. Isaac Valdez was a stud at quarterback, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards. At that rate, he'll finish his senior season throwing for over 9,000 career yards at San Gabriel. He also rushed for nearly 700 yards, making him the complete quarterback in the WSGV. Marcos Villalobos was his favorite receiver (1,000+ receiving) but it's a wonder how the Matadors couldn't do more damage in the playoffs. That's when you realize a running game can compliment and balance out a true offense.

9. RIO HONDO PREP (10-3) -- Two running backs who rushed for over 1,000 yards legitimately makes the Kares one of the top teams in the WSGV. It's likely they'd have more than a hard time beating the teams above but it's not unlikely they wouldn't give them a run for their money. Eddie Garcia was a monster on the defensive line with over 100 tackles and eight sacks and Tim Esguerra and Antonio Alanis gave Rio Hondo Prep a true 1-2 punch in the back field. Say what you want about the Kares, but with a total enrollment of only 87 students and the distinction of being the smallest school playing 11-man football in California, Rio Hondo Prep has quickly become a powerhouse among small schools.

10. MARANATHA (11-2) -- Matt Schilz threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns and Terrell Cornell caught for just over 1,000 yards. He's only a junior and he's certainly shown his potential, but who will throw to him next season? The Minutemen need a stronger preseason schedule. Playing tougher opponents certainly would have prepared Maranatha against the likes of its nemesis, St. Margaret's. Among the highly-anticipating football schedules to be released in the months ahead, I'm looking forward to the Minutemen's. But will it be too late at this point? Will it lose its luster after Schilz takes his pro-style arm to possibly a Pac-10 school? Perhaps. But sometimes it's fun to think about what could have been.

Most Valuable Player: Tra Sumler, Rosemead
Quarterback of the year: Angel Alejandre, Rosemead
Lineman of the year: Chris Flores, Rosemead

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Jose Garay, South El Monte
RB MIke Vasquez, Arroyo
RB Luke Ayala, El Monte
AP Raul LIra, Rosemead
WR Bobby Navarro, Rosemead
WR Chris Rodriguez, Arroyo
WR Manny Acosta, South El Monte
TE Luis Diaz, Rosemead
OL Javier Lozano, Arroyo
OL Julio Tena, El Monte
OL Oscar Quinones, El Monte
OL Javier Sanchez, Rosmead
K Bobby Maldonado, Rosemead

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DB Alex Chang, Rosemead
DB Chris Noriega, Arroyo
DB Fernando Noriega, El Monte
AP Mike Chavez, Arroyo
DL Edward Vasquez, Rosemead
DL Javier Lozano, Arroyo
DL Oscar Quinones, El Monte
DE Luis Diaz, Rosemead
DE Matt Philip, Arroyo
LB Cesar Chavez, Rosemead
LB Gilbert Delarosa, Rosemead
LB Joey Diaz, Rosemead
LB Mike Vasquez, Arroyo
LB Julio Tena, El Monte

FOR SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS CLICK ON THREAD

Most Valuable Offense: Dietrich Riley, St. Francis, Jr.
Most Valuable Defense: Rian Younker, St. Francis, Sr.
Most Valuable Player: Malcolm Marble, Alemany, Jr.
Most Valuable Lineman: KC Obi, Alemany, Sr.

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
OT Kris Durham, St. Francis, Sr.
OT Sergio Figueroa, Alemany, So.
OG Ian Abot, Alemany, Sr.
OG Mike Janious, Alemany, Sr.
OT Matt Miller, Chaminade, So.
OT Nick Armer, Chaminade, Sr.
OT Craig Romero, St. Francis, Sr.
RB Malcolm Marable, Aelmany, Jr.
RB Dietrich Riley, St. Francis, Jr.
RB David Metcalf, Alemany, Sr.
WR Ronald McCrory, Chaminade, Sr.
WR Chris Gant, Alemany, Sr.
WR Malik Speed, St. Francis, Sr.
K Matt Goudis, Chaminade, So.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE KC Obi, Alemany, Sr.
DT Rian Younker, St. Francis, Sr.
DT Ian Rodriguez, Alemany, Sr.
DE Mario Obando, St. Paul, Sr.
LB Anthony Espinoza, Alemany, Jr.
LB Michael Demery, St. Paul, Sr.
LB Nick Grudotzke, Chaminade, Sr.
LB Chris Cabrera, St. Francis, Jr.
DB Nick Cook, Alemany, Sr.
DB Anthony Daniels, Chaminade, Jr.
DB Kevin Garcia, St. Paul, Jr.
DB Osagie Odiase, St. Paul, Sr.
P Adrian Montecinos, St. Paul, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS

Most Valuable Offense: Isaac Valdez, San Gabriel
Most Valuable Defense: Frankie Villalobos, San Gabriel
Most Valuable Player: Ricky Mendez, Schurr
Lineman of the Year: Cesar Estrada, Bell Gardens
Coach of the Year: Ben Negrete, Schurr

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
WR Angel Sanchez, Schurr
WR Mitchell Crockom, Alhambra
WR Marcos Villalobos, San Gabriel
TE Max Ochoa, Schurr
OT Marc Gonzalez, Schurr
OT Xavier Pineda, Bell Gardens
OG Joshua Melendez, Schurr
OG Alejandro Bobadilla, San Gabriel
C Miguel Fernandez, San Gabriel
QB Darrian Cazarin, Alhambra
RB Daniel Vargas, Bell Gardens
RB Edwin Molina, Schurr
RB Albert Martinez, Bell Gardens
K Giovannia Salazar, Bell Gardens

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DT Sean Abeyta, Schurr
DT Alejandro Bobadilla, San Gabriel
DE Daniel Ramos, Bell Gardens
DE Mark Avila, Schurr
LB Robert Duran, Schurr
LB Justin Munoz, Bell Gardens
LB Heriberto Duenas, Bell Gardens
LB Edwin Molina, Schurr
LB Arthur Brown, San Gabriel
DB Carlos Arredondo, Schurr
DB Ryan Beatty, Alhambra
DB Marcos Villalobos, San Gabriel
DB Fabian Amaro, San Gabriel
P Angel Sanchez, Schurr

CLICK ON THREAD FOR SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS

What a game tonight.

La Cañada will take on Bishop Amat tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the Arroyo Tournament. I will be there on assignment bringing you all the action in Friday's paper. I hear all these things about "Bishop Amat" ruling girls basketball in the San Gabriel Valley. Well, I'll just have to find out for myself if that's true or not. I got to catch Sherman Oaks Notre Dame last night before the Monrovia-Downey tipoff. Notre Dame has a girl (No. 32 or 22) that is strong inside and talk about hops, she's got 'em. That will be a good game Saturday when Monrovia faces a formidable challenge in Notre Dame. For the record, the Lancers are 6-0 and are coming off a 73-18 drubbing over Kennedy. The Spartans are 6-1 and are coming off a 51-45 win over Flintridge Prep. Certainly, the Lancers will be a test for the Spartans and it'll be interesting to see how they respond to adversity. La Cañada is led by Courtney McCutchan's 12 points per game.

I welcome all stories from bloggers who happen to run into good reads, even if it's not from our site ;-) This read comes from The Wall Street Journal, the link sent via e-mail from a fellow blogger New York. It's a good read for parents and students struggling to get the attention of recruiters.


Above: Alisha Eckberg's family followed a Web guidebook to attract recruiters. (Michael Justice for The Wall Street Journal)

From The Wall Street Journal

Kirsten Bladek had a problem.

Three weeks into her senior season on the Monarch High School volleyball team in Colorado, the 5-feet, 10-inch setter found herself warming the bench. Her dream of an athletic scholarship seemed dead -- especially since her family couldn't afford the $1,000 or so that many parents pay these days to hire a private athletic-recruiting counselor.

But then in September, Ms. Bladek spent $39.99 to post her athletic résumé and pictures of her playing on the Web site beRecruited.com. The shots, combined with videos posted later, highlighted her ability to set the ball from in front of her forehead, with arms thrust out like Superman in flight. That display, combined with some telephone campaigning by Kirsten and her mother, got college coaches to start paying attention.

"I've been getting so many calls from random numbers, half of them I'm scared to pick up," says Kirsten, who recently took an all-expenses-paid visit to New Mexico Highlands University, where she was offered a scholarship.

Ms. Bladek's experience highlights the changing landscape of athletic scholarships. Coaches and recruiters easily notice top-tier talent in big-name sports. But mid-level high-school athletes or those in lesser-known sports often pay high-priced private consultants to connect them with coaches. With fees ranging from $700 to $5,000, the system has been expensive for students and inefficient for coaches -- who get scouting recommendations only on kids who can afford to pay the consultants.

Now, do-it-yourself services have emerged that allow student athletes to showcase their abilities for a fraction of the price. Aside from beRecruited.com, other sites include Prepchamps.com, TRUpreps.com (owned by CBS Corp.'s MaxPreps unit), ActiveRecruting.com, Collegecoaches.net and SportsWorx.com. There are also numerous sport-specific sites.

Click here to read the rest of the story on The Wall Street Journal's Website.

La Cañada Tournament

Tonight
St. Francis vs. Maranatha at St. Francis, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday's Games (All games at La Cañada)
Schurr vs. Little Rock, 4:30 p.m.
Saugus vs. Maranatha, 6 p.m.
St. Francis vs. Village Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Friday's Games (All games at La Cañada)
Schurr vs. Lincoln, 3 p.m.
St. Francis vs. Saugus, 4:30 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Little Rock, 6 p.m.
Maranatha vs. Village Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday's Games (All games at La Cañada)
Seventh-place game, 2 p.m.
Fifth-place game, 3:30 p.m.
Third-place game, 5 p.m.
Championship game, 6:30 p.m.

Freddy Robledo was all over the Greg Gano hiring like white on rice and he's revealing on his blog that Gano has already assembled a super star staff. So who's staff is better, Damien's or Bishop Amat's?

Damien supporters might be interested to know that Gano already has begun assembling his staff. Former Wilson football coach and athletic director Dave Merrill, who guided the Wildcats to a section championship in 1997, is retiring at Wilson and becoming the offensive coordinator. Former Monrovia coach Steve Garrison, who took the Wildcats to three CIF championship games in the 1990's, is also joining Gano's staff along with his longtime Los Altos assistants Lee Fair and John Howing.

So much for Garrison taking over at Pasadena. A legend leaves the WSGV.

The Star-News All Area team comes out on Christmas. Until then, I'll release All-League teams as they reach my inbox or via fax. Yes, I'm calling on you, coaches/AD's.

MVP: Marquise Williams, Monrovia
Co-Offensive Back of the Year: Scott Dooley, San Marino; Max Ruckle, Temple City
Offensive lineman of the Year: Josh Ouellette, Temple City
Defensive back of the Year: Steven Yortsos, San Marino
Co-Linebacker of the Year: Nick Conora, Temple City
Defensive lineman of the Year: Ryan Watkins, Temple City
All-purpose: Sean Denney, La Canada

OFFENSE FIRST TEAM
Thaddeus Brown, Blair
DJ Cole, Monrovia
Joey Stewart, Temple City
Morgan Hatch, Temple City
Trayvon Wysinger, Blair
Steven Colliau, South Pasadena
Michael Weston, La Canada
Joe McMahon, San Marino
Josh Lowden, Monrovia
Matt O'Malley, Temple City
Ted Kavich, La Canada
Kizz Prussia, Monrovia
Gianni Bruno-Lopez

DEFENSE FIRST TEAM
Terrell Jones, Blair
Michael Rollins, San Marino
Steven Colliau, South Pasadena
Bobby Michel, Monrovia
Robert Schwartzbaugh, Temple City
Jermaine ARnold, Monrovia
Joe McMahon, San Marino
Ben Harwich, San Marino
Grant Haggard, Monrovia
Josh Lowden, Monrovia
Joey Stewart, Temple City
Michael Weston, La Canada
Daniel Cisic, San Marino

CLICK ON THREAD FOR SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS

I know Damien is not in our area but this is huge news for San Gabriel Valley football fans. Former Los Altos coach Greg Gano has been named the next Damien High School head coach, Freddy Robledo reports on his blog. Gano, who won four championships while with Los Altos, will be introduced at the school later today. Freddy will have more in tomorrow's paper. Robledo reports: "I can tell you this, he's already assembling an all-star staff, I'll tell you more about the names when they become official. There will be some huge surprises."

Hmmm ... Interesting.

This story comes from longtime staffer Jim McConnell, the man we call, "The King" around the office. He writes a weekly Then & Now column. He gives us a bit of history today about high school basketball tournaments. It doesn't involve our area teams but it was such a great read I had to post it. Enjoy.

JIM McCONNELL

MEMO TO: High school basketball coaches and athletic directors.

RE: Basketball tournaments.

MESSAGE: If you are thinking about starting a tournament, do not under any circumstances label it a classic. A 1957 Chevy Bel-Air coupe is a classic. Your puny little eight-team tourney - jury-rigged so that the home team will always be in the championship game - is not.

There's no question today's high school basketball players - boys and girls - are bigger, stronger, faster and can jump higher than those of 50 years ago. But, somehow, the local basketball tournaments have lost a lot of their luster. December just isn't the same for hoop fans.

Back in the 1970s, the area was famous nationwide for the Tournament of Champions. That event, hosted by San Dimas High School, brought together the best teams in the state.

Tournament director Bob Espinoza did a great job of luring the top teams to San Dimas. True, the format meant that host school San Dimas was going to be routed, game after game and year after year. But, looking back, those Saints players can now tell their kids they played against the likes of Bill Cartwright, Bill Laimbeer, John Williams, etc. Who remembers scores?

San Dimas ceased hosting the Tournament of Champions in the 1980s. The T of C is still around, now based in Orange County, but it is no longer the premier showcase of prep talent it once was.

In this area, the granddaddy of basketball tournaments emains the Covina Christmas Tournament. The tourney will mark its 55th year when play gets under way on Dec. 26.

1. ROSEMEAD (11-3) -- The Panthers made an improbable run to the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game and beat two notable teams (San Dimas, Monrovia) to get there.

2. TEMPLE CITY (7-5-1) -- Under the direction of interim coach Tim Loya, the Rams played superb football the final weeks in the season before running into a pesky Paraclete team in the semifinals of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

3. MONROVIA (10-3) -- I wonder, what would happen if Temple City and Monrovia would meet again? The outcome might be the same or it very well could be different. Still, the Wildcats definitely raised the bar for next season and I know Steve Garrison was impressed with Monrovia's run.

4. RIO HONDO PREP (10-3) -- The Kares won their 12th CIF-Southern Section Division championship last week. That's only second to Long Beach Poly's 18 CIF titles. The Kares were on the brink of playing in the CIF State Small Division Bowl championship game. What an amazing season.

5. DUARTE (6-6) -- One must wonder how much better the Falcons would have been if Jordan Canada would have been healthy all season long. They could have had the No. 1 seed from the Montview League and they probably don't run into Monrovia in the quarterfinals.

6. MUIR (9-2) -- The Mustangs are still a good team despite another first-round ouster. Jarron Williams back next season will be fun to watch. He could be better than Reuben Thomas at next season's end.

7. MARANATHA (11-2) -- The Minutemen rebounded well after losing to Brentwood in the Alpha League finale and made a run to the semifinals of the CIF-SS East Valley Division playoffs.

8. SAN GABRIEL (5-6) -- In hindsight, the Matadors should have gone further in the playoffs and fared better in Almont League play. I'm expecting big things from the Matadors with QB Isaac Valdez directing the offense next season.

9. SAN MARINO (8-3) -- Things will be tough next season with Scott Dooley and Steven Wright gone next season. Steven Yortsos will anchor the defense. But as far as this past season goes, the Titans put on a great show in the regular-season. They reignited and mesmerized an entire community.

10. NOBODY -- There was not another team that could argue its way into the No. 10 spot. Can you really think of one?

Just got off the phone with Pasadena High athletic director Tony Brooks. After talking about basketball we dove into the football coaching vacancy. I tried to get names but no dice.

Brooks on how far along Pasadena is in the hiring process:

"We're looking to get the interview process in January. We've opened it up and people are turning in resumes. We're getting a lot of interest including from people back East. What we'll do is put a committee together which will consist of administrators, teachers, coaches and a returning player and maybe a parent."

Brooks on when Pasadena will make the hire:

"We want to get something done by February because that's the start of the second semester. You don't want to wait too long."

Brooks on whether the vacancy will come with a teaching position:

"Right now, hopefully it will. That'll attract more interest but that has to be solidified through the principal to try to fit that. It's always nice to have the person on campus in some capacity."

Brooks on who has applied (Brooks was asked for specific names but no luck):

"A few locals, but when we get down a little more serious - this is just collection process - and when we get down to some serious applicants and finalists I'll be happy to divulge."

In the words of Kevin Mills, stay tuned.