Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty in studio with Steve Hartman and Rahshaun Haylock, who talk about the first round of the Pac-5 playoffs. Our man Steve Ramirez will cover Friday's game. We will set him up with a twitter account, and post his twitter page on the blog for quick updates.

Steve and I will go head-to-head throughout the season. Here is our updated records on the Tribskin Pick'em thread.

Robledo: Last week/Total: 12-4/175-41
Ramirez: Last week/Total: 12-4/161-55

Last Week: Not a bad first round, my losses were picking Damien over Upland, Elsinore over Chino Hills, Whittier Christian over Arroyo and Rosemead over San Marino. Steve also missed the Arroyo and Rosemead game, and also lost taking Burroughs over Diamond Ranch and Rowland over California. But Steve did call the Chino Hills win and Upland's win over Damien.

This week: There are no real surprises, it doesn't make sense to pick against Bishop Amat now. I know they're on the road, and I don't know as much about Lakewood as I should, but I know enough about the Lancers to know if they get this road win, they're probably hope in the semifinals against No. 1 Edison, but first things first. Charter Oak and South Hills will bounce back and advance again this week, though West Covina is going to give the Chargers a run for their money. In the Mid-Valley, I'm taking Monrovia and San Dimas, but won't be surprised at all if they lose. It's pretty obvious, the Olympic is the best league in the division, cemented when their No. 3 Whittier Christian beat Arroyo, moving all three Olympic teams to the next round. Azusa-San Marino is a toss-up, but I have that Aztec feeling.

Friday's quarterfinal predcitions
Pac-5 Division
Bishop Amat (10-1) at No. 4 Lakewood (10-1) -- Robledo (BAmat)
Southeast Division
No. 1 Charter Oak (10-1) at West Covina (7-4) -- Robledo (Charter Oak)
No. 4 Burbank (9-2) at California (8-2-1) -- Robledo (California)
No. 3 Schurr (9-1-1) at Diamond Ranch (5-6) -- Robledo (Diamond Ranch)
No. 2 South Hills (9-2) at Crescenta Valley (8-3) -- Robledo (South Hills)
Mid-Valley Division
No. 1 Monrovia (11-0) at Paraclete (7-4) -- Robledo (Monrovia)
Baldwin Park (9-2) at Whittier Christian (8-3) -- Robledo (Whittier Christian)
San Marino (9-2) at No. 3 Azusa (10-1) -- Robledo (Azusa)
Cerritos Valley Christian (8-3) at No. 2 San Dimas (10-1) -- Robledo (San Dimas)

Tuesday's Division III state playoffs
Southern California bracket, first round
Warren (11-4) at No 1. San Diego Cathedral Catholic (27-7)
Bonita (17-7) at No. 4 Mayfield (19-5).
Cerritos (22-3) at No. 3 Tehachipi (28-4)
San Diego Valley Center (32-5) at No. 2 Los Altos (20-7)

By Steve Ramirez
Saturday was perhaps the finest day in the Los Altos High School girls volleyball team's history. It could get even better in the coming days. The Conquerors, who won the school's first CIF-Southern Section girls volleyball title with a victory over rival Bonita in the 3AA Division on Saturday, will have a chance to add to the glory of the school's first CIF-SS title after receiving the No. 2 seed in Southern California when pairings for the CIF State championships were released Sunday. To continue, click thread

Anything and anyone you want to talk about

Bishop Amat's victory over Mater Dei wasn't the talk of the office on Friday, it was the near-gigantic upsets of Charter Oak and South Hills, the top two teams respectively in the Southeast Division after ripping through league like it was just a formality before a long November run. South Hills didn't have quarterback Jacob Shirley because of an injury, which kind of explains the close call against Bonita, but how do they blow a 21-0 point lead with that defense, needing a late touchdown to pull out a 28-21 victory. Charter Oak was even more shocking, giving up a dramatic 30-yard touchdown with four seconds left, then stuffing a two-point conversion that would have knocked them from the playoffs for good. To answer the question, overconfident or overrated, I would have to lean toward overconfidence, simply because people like me pump these teams up so much, that you forget that teams like Bonita and Muir might just get ticked off enough to lay it like they haven't all year. When everyone's penciling you in the championship, you just want to get the first round over with, so emotions are not always what they should be. Overrated? No way, not with their body of work and how easily they dismantled other area teams, some of whom are still alive. It might just be a wake-up call, and the best thing to ever happen to them. How often do teams that win championships survive scares along the way? South Hills is more questionable because of their quarterback situation, but I stand by my prediction that these two will meet in the finals.

The L.A. Times' Eric Sondheimer writes that Pete Carroll should think about Bishop Amat's Rio Fuiz in football, he already committed to the Trojans in baseball. But they have a long wait, he's just a sophomore.

Things you should know about Lakewood, their only loss is to undefeated Crenshaw in the opener 28-27, they crush teams they're supposed to crush, and have notable wins over name teams like Long Beach Poly, and smacked the heck out of Newport Harbor last week. They haven't lost at home, and win by a 32-point margin. Not trying to scare Amat Nation, I'm just sayin ...

Know your opponent: Highlights of the Lakewood-Crenshaw game.

Read the Lakewood local angle from J.J. Fiddler on LBPOST.Com, Despite yet another slow start for Lakewood, the Moore League Champions cruised in the second half and took out Newport Harbor, 41-17, in the first round of the CIF Pac-5 Playoffs. The Lancers spotted the Sailors 10 points after just five plays, but 221 yards on the ground and more stingy defense from the Red Swarm was the difference as Lakewood advances to the quarterfinals where they will face Bishop Amat, the #1 seed from the Serra League.

In Saturday's CIF-Southern Section Division 3AA championship at Cypress College, Los Altos (30-8) took the first game, then fell behind 2-1, rallying for a five-game 25-16, 21-25 18-25, 25-23 and 15-10 victory over the No. 2 Bearcats (18-7) to claim their first girls volleyball championship after coming up short in title games in 1975 and 1977.
For more from the players, click thread

For the photo gallery of Saturday's championship, click thread

Friday's second'round matchups
Pac-5
Dana Hills (9-2) at No 1 Edison (11-0)
Bishop Amat (10-1) at No. 4 Lakewood (10-1)
No. 3 Servite (10-1) at Long Beach Poly (6-5)
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (9-2) at No. 1 Mission Viejo (11-0)

Southeast Division
No. 1 Charter Oak (10-1) at West Covina (7-4)
No. 4 Burbank (9-2) at California (8-2-1)
No. 3 Schurr (9-1-1) at Diamond Ranch (5-6)
No. 2 South Hills (9-2) at Crescenta Valley (8-3)

Mid-Valley Division
No. 1 Monrovia (11-0) at Paraclete (7-4)
Baldwin Park (9-2) at Whittier Christian (8-3)
San Marino (9-2) at No. 3 Azusa (10-1)
Cerritos Valley Christian (8-3) at No. 2 San Dimas (10-1)

Friday's Results
Pac-5 Division
Bishop Amat 28, Mater Dei 21 -- Sophomore Rio Ruiz caught a 40-yard touchdown from Jerry McClanahan with 38 seconds left, giving the Lancers their second win over Mater Dei in the playoffs since 1962. They will be at Lakewood in the quarterfinals.
Central Division
Rancho Cucamonga 27, Glendora 14 -- The Tartans fell behind early and never recovered, losing to the defending champions.
Upland 30, Damien 6 -- When you rush for 15 yards total and seven of those yards come in the final moments, you won't win a lot of games. QB Guillen sacked five times. Just too much Upland.
Mid-Valley Division
Monrovia 40, South El Monte 7 -- Exactly what you expected from the No. 1 Cats, but now they get defending champion Paraclete on the road.
Paraclete 45, La Puente 0 -- Those doubting how difficult the Spirits are once the playoffs arrive only need to look at this score.
Baldwin Park 38, Gladstone 17 -- The Gladiators made a game of it for a while, but the Braves were too much in the end.
Whittier Christian 27, Arroyo 24 -- I don't know if you call it a shocker, but it does go to show how difficult the Olympic League is this year.
San Marino 42, Rosemead 20 --I'm going to keep a close eye on these Titans. Any team with defensive coach Mike Mooney associated with it has a pretty good chance.
San Dimas 48, Workman 6 -- Way too much firepower from the No. 2 Saints. I don't see anything stopping their trip to the finals.
Southeast Division
Charter Oak 20, Muir 19 -- Shocked is the appropriate word. I should have known not to underestimate the Mighty Mustangs. They had a two-point conversion chance to knock off the defending champions. Incredible.
West Covina 40, San Gabriel 14 -- With all these Southeast scares, the Bulldogs take care of business, host Charter Oak next.
California 55, Rowland 27 -- The Condors are the team everyone should look out for how. That's a lot of points against the Raiders' D.
South Hills 28, Bonita 21 -- It wasn't as close a scare as Charter Oak, but pretty darn close. The Huskies blew a 21 point lead as the Bearcats tied it in the fourth quarter, but the Huskies found a way to advance

For quarter updates of tonight's games, click thread

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
LA PUENTE -- Jerry McClanahan and Rio Ruiz battled all summer for the starting quarterback spot, but it was how they battled together in the final moments that sent Bishop Amat to the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Pac-5 Divisional playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Ruiz juggled, then hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass from McClanahan with 38 seconds left, giving the Lancers a 28-21 victory over Mater Dei in front of more than 6,000 fans at Kiefer Stadium, most on the edge of their seats. To continue, click thread

Los Altos High School football coach Felipe Aguilar resigned on Friday after two years and a 4-16 overall record, and 3-7 record this past season.
The former quarterback led the Conquerors to a championship as a player, and was named the area player of the year, but could not get Los Altos into the playoffs in two years as head coach. He had the difficulty of following coach Greg Gano, who won four championships at the school before moving on to Damien.
Aguilar will continue to fulfill his commitment to the players and coaching staff until the conclusion of the team banquet in January, athletic director Steve Garcia said.
"At this time we will begin the search process for hiring a head coach that meets and exceeds the expectations of the school and the community to produce quality student-athletes on and off the field and to bring the football program its 12th CIF Championship," Garcia wrote in a press release.

Tonight's results
Mid-Valley
Azusa 41, Covina 13 -- The Aztecs turned a close game at half into a rout, advancing to the quarterfinals for the second straight year. The Colts fate similar to last year, losing their starting quarterback, and the game.
Southeast
Diamond Ranch 41, Burroughs 18 -- You're not surprised are you? Nothing gets the swag going again like a first round win in the playoffs after entering with a 4-6 record. Here they go again, right.

For quarter updates of tonight's games, click thread

Breaking News: Whittier prep editor Roger Murray told me he has it on good authority that Michael Ball is practicing for Rowland and will play Friday against California after breaking his collarbone a month ago. He got this from his CalHi sources.

Note: Today's feature in the paper was cut short because of space, but the full version is here ...

Bishop Amat defensive players Daniel Kane, left, and Davis Cazaris, the heart and soul Lancers' vaunted defense. (SGVN/Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda)

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
LA PUENTE - Notre Dame quarterback Ryan Kasdorf had a simple explanation for Bishop Amat's 31-14 victory over the Knights last week that gave the Lancers a piece of the Serra League title. It also sums up what makes the Bishop Amat defense so special. It is led by a pair of seniors in defensive lineman Daniel Kane and hard-hitting safety Davis Cazares. The Lancers are allowing just 17 points a game, quite an accomplishment considering the opponents they line up against each week. To continue, click thread

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
There will be a sense of familiarity when Damien High School opens the CIF-Southern Section Central Division football playoffs against visiting Upland at 7 p.m. on Friday. Not so much for the Spartans players, who did not face the Highlanders this year, but the coaching staffs. Particularly Damien coach Greg Gano and Upland counterpart Tim Salter. To Continue, click thread

The Tribune's Fred Robledo, Time Warner's popular Reginald Miller and the Scouting Guru mix it up and discuss four of Friday's CIF playoff games. Check it out

Friday's game
Mater Dei (6-4) at Bishop Amat (9-1), 7:30 p.m.
Rancho Cucamonga (8-2) at Glendora (7-3), Citrus College, 7 p.m.
Upland (8-2) at Damien (5-5), 7 p.m.
Muir (4-6) at Charter Oak (9-1), 7 p.m.

The L.A. Times' Ben Bolch Makes his Mater Dei-Bishop Amat prediction: Wrote Bolch: Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty said Mater Dei receiver Victor Blackwell could "single-handedly" beat the Lancers, but the Monarchs have been inconsistent for most of the season and their signature victory over Corona Centennial came two months ago. Plus, Bishop Amat's defense made Sherman Oaks Notre Dame standout Ryan Kasdorf look like an average high school quarterback last week. That's no small feat. Prediction: Bishop Amat 35, Mater Dei 24.

While we're just a day from the opening playoff games, start thinking about the Tribune's annual Christmas Day All-Area football teams. You can fill in the blanks and make your arguments. The AP is all purpose, which can be used for an extra quarterback, two-way standout or just about anyone that absolutely deserves to be on the team. You might think the hardest decisions are at quarterback, running back, but it's actually the offensive lineman, the ones that make it all happen.
Player of the year:
Coach of the year:
First Team Offense
QB: (1); RB: (2); AP: (1); WR: (3); OL: (5); PK: (1)
First Team Defense
DL: (3); LB: (4); DB: (3); SS: (1); P: (1)

This is last year's team

The CIF-SS office just announced that the Bonita-Los Altos rematch in the Division 3AA finals at Cypress College will be at 10 a.m.
Bonita, playing in its first divisional championship match, advanced with a sweep over Palm Springs. It was the Bearcats second appearance in the semifinals in the past three seasons.
Los Altos, which last appeared in the finals in 1977, advanced with a sweep over Warren. The Conquerors were also runner-up in 1975.
Bonita, which won the Miramonte League, won both regular-season matchups, winning in three games on Oct. 8 and in four on Oct. 24.

Charter Oak (9-1) is the defending Southeast Division champion and No. 1 seed, but don't expect Muir (4-6), which started 0-5 and needed to win its last three game to make the playoffs as the fourth place team from the Pacific League to be intimated when they visit the Chargers in the first round on Friday. Muir has played one of the toughest schedules in the division, losing to Southern Section powers Oaks Christian and Venice.
In the Pacific League they lost three games, though just by a combined 11 points, which included a 29-28 loss to fourth-seed Burbank.
"It's another team, they're not the team of old, that's a good thing for us," Muir coach Ken Howard said of Charter Oak. "We don't mind getting them because now they have all the pressure. They have everything to lose and we have nothing to lose. We have been struggling in the playoffs the last couple years and they won a championship. We're not going to worry about it, we're going to show up and give them our best shot."

Division 3AA Semifnals
Los Altos def. Warren 25-22, 25-19, 25-18
Bonita def. Palm Springs 25-15, 25-14, , 25-16.

I know this is a rivalry and things tend to get personal, but please think before you send, this is a good time for these teams, these schools, let them enjoy it by keeping the banter fun and spirited.

Los Altos players celebrate after advancing to the finals for the first
time since 1977.

CIF-Southern Section
Tuesday's semifinals
Division 3AA
Los Altos def. Warren, 25-22, 25-19, 25-18 - Jazmen Russell had 11 kills and Meagan Macias nine and the Conquerors advanced to the Division 3AA finals to face rival Bonita. Los Altos will be playing for its first divisional title. The Conquerors were runner up in 1975 and '77.
Jazmen Russell: "When we lost to Bonita (on Oct. 27), it made us want to keep winning and play them again in the CIF finals. We want to beat them in the finals. We've been working hard ever since."
Susanna Beliakoff: This is such a great accomplishment for us. We worked really, really hard this whole time. Getting this far is a blessing for us. It's a team effort, and that's what makes it special."
Coach Jaime Ornelas: It's expected to be point for point at this level (of the playoffs). I put in a few subs to get my bigger servers in there. They did fabulous.
"(Popoff) was amazing. My bench did a lot for me. They came in and did what we needed."

Bonita players celebrate after advancing to the CIF-SS finals.

Bonita def. Palm Springs, 25-15, 25-14, 25-16 - Allie LaPierre had 16 kills and Katie Kirby 11 to lead the Bearcats. Bonita, which was in the semifinals for the second time in three years, is in the finals for the first time.
Allie LaPierre: I am just so excited. We made history. We just wanted to stay focused and play each point like it was 0-0."
Katie Kirby: "Tonight was revenge for two years ago,"
Coach Adriana Contreras: "I'm just so absolutely proud. We did a great job covering balls and we spread the ball around. Everyone played a role tonight."

I just spoke with Rancho Cucamonga coach Nick Baiz, who said that quarterback Greg Watson, who left Friday's season-ending 27-24 loss to Etiwanda early with an injured leg, will play against Glendora on Friday. Baiz said removing Watson was more precautionary than anything.

You want bigtime, I'll give you bigtime: It has been confirmed that Bishop Amat and Mater Dei will be on Fox Sports Prime Ticket on Friday, dealyed at 10:30 p.m. I'm sorry, I jumped the gun, I thought it was live. This just means Kiefer will be packed to capacity as always, and we can live blog tweeter updates. It will be kind of nice, I can go back to the office and watch as I finish up.

Fred's explanation: For those other Valley teams, principals and athletic directors who desperately voted Charter Oak and South Hills into a tougher league and division next year, we certainly understand why. Before the Southeast gets watered down next year, you know what to expect, don't you? Charter Oak could have tough tests along the way against West Covina, California or Burbank, but who's going to stop them, really? South Hills could have trouble against Santa Fe, Diamond Ranch or perhaps Schurr, but do you really believe they will lose to any of them? This is the final I have been waiting for, not because I'm playing favorites, these are the two best teams, period. I want to witness South Hills' defense vs. Charter Oak's offense. Bogan vs. Farrar. The two best teams in the Division playing their best football entering the playoffs. And when they meet, yes, South Hills is going to pull it off. They have been through more adversity, especially in regards to the Canada situation, people telling them they can't win it all without him. They have a bigger chip on their shoulder. Charter's Oak's bread and butter is Adam Muema, but the Huskies have the dogs up front to contain him, and there is no Chris Allen to will the Chargers down the field this time. It's going to be great, and yes, Charter Oak is and should be the favorite, I don't dispute that, they're as good as advertised and have an incredible coaching staff from top to bottom. But the best team doesn't always win, sometimes when the talent is this close, hunger wins out, and I can't see how the Chargers are hungrier than the Huskies in what will be another San Gabriel Valley classic for the history books.

Southeast Predictions
Top Seeds: 1. Charter Oak (9-1), 2. South Hills (8-2), 3. Schurr (8-1-1), 4. Burbank (8-2).
Unseeded Sleepers: West Covina, Diamond Ranch, California, Santa Fe

Top Bracket
Muir 4-6 (Pacific 4) at Charter Oak 9-1 (Miramonte 1)
San Gabriel 6-4 (Almont 2) at West Covina 6-4 (San Antonio 2)
Rowland 8-2 (San Antonio 3) at California 7-2-1 (Del Rio 1)
Alhambra 6-3 (Almont 3) at Burbank 8-2 (Pacific 1)
Bottom Bracket
El Rancho 5-5 (Del Rio 3) at Schurr 8-1-1 (Almont 1)
Diamond Ranch 4-6 (Miramonte 3) at Burroughs 7-3 (Pacific 2)
Crescenta Valley 7-3 (Pacific 3) at Santa Fe 7-3 (Del Rio 2)
Bonita 3-7 (Miramonte 3) at South Hills 8-2 (San Antonio 1)

Quarterfinals
Top Bracket
West Covina vs. Charter Oak
California vs. Burbank
Bottom Bracket
Schurr vs. Diamond Ranch
Santa Fe vs. South Hills
Semifinals
Charter Oak vs. California
Diamond Ranch vs. South Hills
Championship
South Hills over Charter Oak

Fred's explanation: Doing the Southwest and Mid-Valley brackets are easy by comparison because there are games you absolutely can't miss, shouldn't miss, so you have the ability to pick a lot of winners, which is why I can go 18-0 or 17-1 sometimes when I pick games every Friday. The Pac-5 isn't like this. No. 16 can beat no. 1 and it's not that huge of an upset as we saw last year with Bishop Amat, nearly knocking off No. 1 Long Beach Poly in the first round on the road. The best thing we can say about Bishop Amat in the first round is that if they beat Mater Dei, it is not an upset. The Lancers are back competing for titles at the highest level, so get use to it. The good times are back. It doesn't mean they're going to win it this year, but they're going to compete. I have watched them enough times to know they're going to leave their hard-hats on the field, so, how far can they advance? Who knows, but I will tell you what, I'm not surprised anymore at who they beat. I witnessed St. Bonny and Notre Dame, so nothing this team does surprises me.

Pac-5 Division Predictions
Top Seeds: 1. Edison (10-0), 2. Mission Viejo (10-0), 3. Servite (9-1), 4. Lakewood (9-1).
Unseeded Sleepers: Bishop Amat, Mater Dei, Notre Dame, Orange Lutheran.

Top Bracket
Millikan 6-4 (Moore 4) at Edison 10-0 (Sunset 1)
Orange Lutheran 6-4 (Trinity 2) at Dana Hills 8-2 (South Coast 2)
Mater Dei 6-4 (Trinity 3) at Bishop Amat 9-1 (Serra 1)
Newport Harbor 6-4 (Sunset at-large) at Lakewood 9-1 (Moore 1)
Bottom Bracket
San Clemente 6-4 (South Coast 3) at Servite 9-1 (Trinity 1)
Long Beach Poly 5-5 (Moore 2) at Los Alamitos 8-2 (Sunset 2)
Fountain Valley 8-2 (Sunset 3) at Notre Dame 8-2 (Serra 2)
Long Beach Wilson 6-4 (Moore 3) at No. 2 Mission Viejo 10-0 (South Coast 1)

Quarterfinals
Top Bracket
Orange Lutheran vs. Edison
Bishop Amat vs. Lakewood
Bottom Bracket
Servite vs. Long Beach Poly
Notre Dame vs. Mission Viejo
Semifinals
Edison vs. Bishop Amat
Servite vs. Mission Viejo
Championship
Mission Viejo over Edison

I'm keeping it simple today, here is the final Top 32 rankings.
Top Ten
1. Bishop Amat (9-1), 2. Charter Oak (9-1), 3. South Hills (8-2), 4. San Dimas (9-1), 5. West Covina (6-4), 6. Damien (5-5), 7. Glendora (6-4), 8. Rowland (8-2), 9. Baldwin Park (8-2), 10. Azusa (9-1).
The Middle 10
11. Arroyo (8-2), 12. Walnut (8-2), 13. La Puente (8-2), 14. Diamond Ranch (4-6), 15. Gladstone (7-3), 16. Rosemead (5-5), 17. Bonita (3-7), 18. Workman (6-4), 19. Los Altos (3-7), 20. Covina (5-5)
On the bottom looking up
21. Pomona (6-4), 22. South El Monte (3-7), 23. Sierra Vista (5-5), 24. Wilson (2-8), 25. Nogales (2-8), 26. Bassett (4-6), 27. Diamond Bar (1-9), 28. Ganesha (1-9), 29. Northview (1-9), 30. El Monte (1-9), 31. Mountain View (0-10), 32. Duarte (0-10)

Note: Southeast Division predictions on Tuesday.

Fred's explanation: The biggest game comes in the second round when Monrovia meets Paraclete, and Monrovia will have to beat them on the road. I know I said earlier in the year I would take Paraclete, but they way they lost in their season finale leads me toward Monrovia. I hear Paraclete had five or six fumbles in that loss, but I also believe that Monrovia's swagger will be good enough, just hope it isn't snowing up there. Baldwin Park and Arroyo both love their draw, and are probably glad they could get each other in the quarters. This is a toss-up, but I'm leaning toward the Knights and that aerial attack. But neither will get past Monrovia in the semifinals. On the bottom half, the only team that could stop San Dimas is Cerritos Valley Christian in the second round. I don't know much about them, but they did beat Paraclete, which is scary enough, but I still like the Saints. The weakest pairing of four is Azusa, Covina, Rosemead and San Marino, and I may take some stuff for this, but I like Rosemead to come out of it, and this time lose in a big way in a rematch with San Dimas, a game the Panthers won in last year's playoffs. A Monrovia-San Dimas championship will be special. The Cats will not run them off the field like they did at home earlier in the year. San Dimas will have learned, adjusted, and will take home a championship trophy, just like baseball, where I picked them to win too, even though everyone picked Bishop Amat to meet Northview in the championship.

Mid-Valley Division Predictions

Top Seeds: 1. Monrovia (10-0), 2. San Dimas (9-1), 3. Azusa (9-1), 4. Arroyo (8-2).
Unseeded Sleepers: Baldwin Park, Rosemead, San Marino, Cerritos Valley Christian

Top Bracket
South El Monte 3-7 (MVL 3) at No. 1 Monrovia 10-0 (Rio Hondo 1)
Paraclete 6-4 (Olympic 2) at La Puente 7-3 (Montview 2)
Gladstone 7-3 (Montview 3) at Baldwin Park 8-2 (Valle Vista 2)
Whittier Christian 7-3 (Olympic 3) at No. 4 Arroyo 8-2 (MVL 1)
Bottom Bracket
Covina 5-4 (Valle Vista 3) at No. 3 Azusa 9-1 (Montview 1)
Rosemead 5-5 (MVL 2) at San Marino 8-2 (Rio Hondo 2)
La Canada 5-4 (Rio Hondo 3) at Cerritos Valley Christian 7-3 (Olympic 1)
Workman 6-4 (Montview 4) at No. 2 San Dimas 9-1 (Valle Vista 1)

Quarterfinals
Top Bracket
Monrovia vs. Paraclete
Baldwin Park vs. Arroyo
Bottom Bracket
Azusa vs. Rosemead
Cerritos Valley Christian vs. San Dimas
Semifinals
Monrovia vs. Arroyo
Rosemead vs. San Dimas
Championship
San Dimas over Monrovia

Once again, a local coach has stepped up and offered to help give insight to what's going on in cross country. This comes from Glendora assistant coach Bob Ramsey

For a complete rundown of Saturday's CIF-SS Prelims, click thread

Said Ramsey: Saturday's CIF Cross Country Prelims was an exceptionally strong day for Trib area athletes. On the girls side, Bonita and St. Lucy's advanced as expected, while the South Hills boys had a big come-through performance to advance. The Glendora boys were the top seed in their heat, but turned in the top overall performance in Div. II, and their 78:44 is probably the best team performance ever by a Trib area team. (To continue, click thread)

Note: Pac-5 Division on Tuesday.

Fred's explanation: I'm going to take a lot of slack for this and will hear all the homer protesters, but why not a Damien-Rancho Cucamonga rematch in the championship? From 1-16, this is a wide open division, so I look at the matchups. Damien will have its hands full in the first round, but if they get past Upland, facing Colony and potentially Elsinore, Etiwanda or Chino Hills down the line are all winnable games. I look at how well teams are playing now, not in September, and the Spartans have allowed just ten points in their final four wins. Glendora has an awful matchup, Rancho Cucamonga is still the best team in the division, despite two losses, one by three points, the other in overtime. I would have liked Glendora's chances with a healthy Andre Holmes, but to get Rancho followed by the top seed is a lot to ask, which is why I have their season ending early.

Central Division Predictions
Top Seeds: 1. Colton (9-1), 2. Colony (9-1), 3. Elinore (8-2), 4. Los Osos (6-4).
Unseeded Sleepers: Glendora, Damien, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland.

Central Division:
Top Bracket
Don Lugo 6-4 (Mt. Baldy 3) at No. 1 Colton 9-1 (San Andreas 1)
Rancho Cucamonga 8-2 (Baseline 3) at Glendora 7-3 (Sierra 2)
Chaffey 6-4 (Mt. Baldy 2) at West Valley 6-4 (Sunbelt 2)
Arroyo Valley 7-3 (San Andreas 3) at No. 4 Los Osos 6-4 (Baseline 1)
Bottom Bracket
Chino Hills 8-2 (Sierra 3) at No. 4 Elsinore 8-2 (Sunbelt 1)
Cajon 7-3 (San Andreas 2) at 7-3 Etiwanda (Baseline 2)
Upland 8-2 (Baseline at-large) at Damien 5-5 (Sierra 1)
Paloma Valley 6-4 (Sunbelt 3) at No. 2 Colony 9-1 (Mt. Baldy 1)

Quarterfinals
Top Bracket
Rancho Cucamonga vs. Colton
Los Osos vs. West Valley
Bottom Bracket
Etiwanda vs. Elsinore
Colony vs. Damien

Semifinals
Rancho Cucamonga vs. Los Osos
Elsinore vs. Damien

Championship
Rancho Cucamonga over Damien

Because Glendora is playing a home game against Rancho Cucamonga in the first round of the Central playoffs on Friday, Azusa will host Covina on Thursday at Citrus College at 7 p.m., in a Mid-Valley Division first-round game. Diamond Ranch also has been moved to Thursday against Burroughs at 7:30 p.m. I don't know about you, but this is a good thing. We can make them much bigger games and the Valley can get out and watch a playoff football on Thursday night.

Steve and I will go head-to-head throughout the season. Here is our updated records on the Tribskin Pick'em thread.

Robledo: Last week/Total: 18-1/163-37
Ramirez: Last week/Total: 17-2/149-51

Last Week: After last week's perfect 18-0 mark, I went 18-1 this past week, giving me a three-week record of 51-2, the best run in history predicting games. I picked the Bishop Amat upset over Notre Dame, the only game I lost was taking Bonita over Walnut, which Steve guessed correctly. Steve's losses were Bishop Amat and taking Mountain View over El Monte.
Thursday's CIF-first round predictions
Mid-Valley
Covina at Azusa -- Robledo (Azusa); Ramirez (Azusa)
Southeast
Diamond Ranch at Burroughs -- Robledo (Diamond Ranch); Ramirez (Burroughs)

Friday's CIF-first round predictions
Pac-5 Division
Mater Dei at Bishop Amat -- Robledo (Bishop Amat); Ramirez (Bishop Amat)
Central Division
Rancho Cucamonga at Glendora -- Robledo (Rancho); Ramirez (Rancho)
Upland at Damien -- Robledo (Damien); Ramirez (Upland)
Chino Hills at Elsinore -- Robledo (Elsinore); Ramirez (Chino Hills)
Mid-Valley Division
South El Monte at Monrovia -- Robledo (Monrovia); Ramirez (Monrovia)
Paraclete at La Puente -- Robledo (Paraclete); Ramirez (Paraclete)
Gladstone at Baldwin Park -- Robledo (Baldwin Park); Ramirez (Baldwin Park)
Whittier Christian at Arroyo -- Robledo (Arroyo); Ramirez (Arroyo)
Rosemead at San Marino -- Robledo (Rosemead); Ramirez (Rosemead)
Workman at San Dimas -- Robledo (San Dimas); Ramirez (San Dimas)
Southeast Division
Muir at Charter Oak -- Robledo (Charter Oak); Ramirez (Charter Oak)
San Gabriel at West Covina -- Robledo (West Covina); Ramirez (West Covina)
Rowland at California -- Robledo (California); Ramirez (Rowland)
Bonita at South Hills -- Robledo (South Hills); Ramirez (South Hills)

There is a reason Star-News prep editor Miguel Melendez has five or six losses every week, and is just 119-62 on the season picking high school games. He took Muir over Charter Oak in the first round, which is probably the silliest prediction ever, even for homers like us. He's like that old LA Times handicapper Curtis Crayon, who couldn't pick a thing. Take a lot at his picks. He even has San Gabriel knocking off West Covina on the road. Listen, if Muir and San Gabriel meet in the second round, I'm buying Miguel's meals from now until Christmas.

Rosemead at San Marino, 7 p.m. -- San Marino
South El Monte at Monrovia, 7 p.m. -- Monrovia
Alhambra vs. Burbank at Glendale, 7 p.m. -- Burbank
La Canada at Cerritos Valley Christian, 7 p.m. -- La Canada
Muir at Charter Oak, 7 p.m. -- Muir
San Gabriel at West Covina, 7 p.m. -- San Gabriel
Frazier at Maranatha, 7 p.m. -- Maranatha
Gahr at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m. -- St. Francis
Desert Christian at Rio Hondo Prep, 7 p.m. -- Rio Hondo Prep
Pasadena Poly at St. Genevieve, 7 p.m. -- St. Genevieve
La Salle at St. Joseph/SM, 7 p.m. -- St. Joseph

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
LOS ALAMITOS -- The buzz at Sunday's CIF-Southern Section pairings draw in Los Alamitos centered around Bishop Amat when the Pac-5 Division playoff pairings were announced, because the Serra League champion Lancers (9-1) drew old friend Mater Dei (6-4), setting up a nostalgic first-round game against the storied Monarchs at Kiefer Stadium on Friday. (To continue reading, click thread)

CIF-Southern Section Playoff Pairings

Pac-5 Division:
Top Bracket
Millikan (Moore 4) at No. 1 Edison (Sunset 1)
Orange Lutheran (Trinity 2) at Dana Hills (South Coast 2)
Mater Dei (Trinity 3) at Bishop Amat (Serra 1)
Newport Harbor (Sunset at-large) at No. 4 Lakewood (Moore 1)
Bottom Bracket
San Clemente (South Coast 3) at No. 3 Servite (Trinity 1)
Long Beach Poly (Moore 2) at Los Alamitos (Sunset 2)
Fountain Valley (Sunset 3) at Notre Dame (Serra 2)
Long Beach Wilson (Moore 3) at No. 2 Mission Viejo (South Coast 1)

Mid-Valley Division:
Top Bracket
South El Monte (MVL 3) at No. 1 Monrovia (Rio Hondo 1)
Paraclete (Olympic 2) at La Puente (Montview 2)
Gladstone (Montview 3) at Baldwin Park (Valle Vista 2)
Whittier Christian (Olympic 3) at No. 4 Arroyo (MVL 1)
Bottom Bracket
Covina (Valle Vista 3) at No. 3 Azusa (Montview 1)
Rosemead (MVL 2) at San Marino (Rio Hondo 2)
La Canada (Rio Hondo 3) at Cerritos Valley Christian (Olympic 1)
Workman (Montview 4) at No. 2 San Dimas (Valle Vista 1)

Central Division:
Top Bracket
Don Lugo (Mt. Baldy 3) at No. 1 Colton (San Andreas 1)
Rancho Cucamonga (Baseline 3) at Glendora (Sierra 2)
Chaffey (Mt. Baldy 2) at West Valley (Sunbelt 2)
Arroyo Valley (San Andreas 3) at No. 4 Los Osos (Baseline 1)
Bottom Bracket
Chino Hills (Sierra 3) at No. 4 Elsinore (Sunbelt 1)
Cajon (San Andreas 2) at Etiwanda (Baseline 2)
Upland (Baseline at-large) at Damien (Sierra 1)
Paloma Valley (Sunbelt 3) at No. 2 Colony (Mt. Baldy 1)

Southeast Division:
Top Bracket
Muir (Pacific 4) at No. 1 Charter Oak (Miramonte 1)
San Gabriel (Almont 2) at West Covina (San Antonio 2)
Rowland (San Antonio 3) at California (Del Rio 1)
Alhambra (Almont 3) at No. 4 Burbank (Pacific 1)
Bottom Bracket
El Rancho (Del Rio 3) at No. 3 Schurr (Almont 1)
Diamond Ranch (Miramonte 3) at Burroughs (Pacific 2)
Crescenta Valley (Pacific 3) at Santa Fe (Del Rio 2)
Bonita (Miramonte 3) at South Hills (San Antonio 1)

You can also go straight to CIF to look at all the brackets.

The Scouting Guru has been all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, and like always, he's offered to share his thoughts, free of charge. Don't hate, enjoy it for what it's worth, which is one man's opinion on the talent and teams in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas.

The Scouting Guru Bracketology: Well, we've crunched the numbers - looked at the protocol that the playoff committee has to work with and here is out best estimate of what the area's Divisions for the CIF-SS Toyota Football Playoffs look like (do you like that Thom Simmons?...). To continue click thread

For a complete rundown of Saturday's CIF-SS Prelims, click thread

Above: Bonita Cross Country Runner Lexia Jackson,right, with Marissa Scott during the CIF Southern Section Cross Country Prelims at Mt. San Antonio College.

By Andrew J. Campa, Staff Writer
WALNUT - The goals for Saturday's CIF-Southern Section Cross Country Prelims at Mt. San Antonio College were twofold - advance to the following week's CIF-SS Finals and survive. The San Gabriel Valley teams certainly did more than advance, however, as several area individuals and squads won races. To continue, click thread

Friday's results
Bishop Amat 31, Notre Dame 14 -- Talk about the perfect ending to the regular season, not only do the Lancers win, but they share their first piece of the Serra League title since joining the league in 2002. And because Crespi lost, there are no coin flips, the Lancers go to the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Jay Anderson rushed for 215 yards and three TDs, and Jerry McClanahan threw for 257 yards and a TD.
San Dimas 35, Baldwin Park 16 -- The Saints were simply too good, and should keep the Mid-Valley Division's No. 2 seed. I don't know if they will meet Monrovia or Crespi, but the Saints will be in the finals awaiting the winner.
South Hills 42, Rowland 14 -- Geoffrey Vaughns rushed for 172 yards and five touchdowns in another Huskies blowout. So what do you think about their chances against Charter Oak now?
Charter Oak 38, Los Altos 0 -- The Chargers go their fourth straight shutout and blanked the entire Miramonte league for the first time in history. I guess that's a way of saying goodbye since they move to the Sierra next season.
Rosemead 37, Gabrielino 14 -- This nails down the second place finish in the Mission Valley league.
Arroyo 44, South El Monte 0 -- On paper the Eagles were playing for a piece of the league title, but in reality they didn't have much of a shot.
La Puente 35, Gladstone 24 -- The Warriors continued playing well since the Azusa loss, nailing down second in the Montview, which should earn a home game in the playoffs.
Azusa 28, Workman 0 -- The Aztecs should earn the Mid-Valley Division's three seed. You know what, they might end up meeting San Dimas in the semifinals.
West Covina 46, Nogales 7 -- The Bulldogs did what you expect, now the fun begins, who will they get in the Southeast's first round?
Chino Hills 42, Diamond Bar 14 -- The Huskies finish in a three-way tie in the Sierra, but lose the coin flip and will go as the No. 3 entry. Damien is No. 1, with Glendora No. 2
Covina 24, Northview 23 -- The Vikings gave the Colts a run for their money, but the Colts nailed down the VVL's third playoff spot.
Walnut 30, Bonita 15 -- A nice way for the Mustangs to finish. It's a shame that a 7-3 team doesn't get in the playoffs.
Diamond Ranch 25, Wilson 7 -- For the second straight year, the Panther enters as the No. 2 from the Southeast. Like West Covina, they're dangerous.
El Monte at Mountain View
Duarte at Bassett, 7 p.m.

Breaking News ... The three-way coin flip in the Sierra League between tri-champions Chino Hills, Damien and Glendora is completed, Damien goes in as the No. 1 seed, with Glendora No. 2 and Chino Hills No. 3

I can also twitter updates quick if vootage is slow...

Game Story
By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Forget all that talk about wild-card scenarios and three-way coin flips, Bishop Amat took care of business the old-fashioned way -- on the field. It was almost surreal how easy it happened, with Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty shaking his head trying to come up with the right words, then giving up, glancing over at his players like a proud father. To continue, click thread

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Girls Volleyball
CIF-SS Playoffs
Tonight's Quarterfinals
Division 2AA
Redlands East Valley at South Hills, 7 p.m.
South Torrance at St. Lucy's, 7 p.m.
Division 3AA
Los Altos at Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.
Bonita at Maranatha, 7 p.m.
Division 3A
Cerritos at San Dimas, 7 p.m.

Girls Tennis
CIF-SS Playoffs
Today's second round
Division 2
Palm Desert at Diamond Bar, 2 p.m.
Chadwick at St. Lucy's, 2 p.m.
Division 4
Rowland at Whittier, 2 p.m.
Division 5
San Dimas at Buckley, 2 p.m.
Linfield Christian at Covina, 2 p.m.

Boys Water Polo
CIF-SS Playoffs
Today's quarterfinals
Division 6
Walnut at Glendale, 3:15 p.m.

The Scouting Guru has been all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, and like always, he's offered to share his thoughts, free of charge. Don't hate, enjoy it for what it's worth, which is one man's opinion on the talent and teams in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas.

For the Scouting Guru's breakdown, click this thread ....

Thursday's results
Damien 55, Chino 0 -- After a 1-5 start, the Spartans rally to earn a piece of the Sierra League title in coach Greg Gano's rookie season, and they did it in convincing fashion, blowing out Diamond Bar and Chino to build up a head of steam entering the playoffs.
Glendora 34, Ayala 20 -- Glendorable right, the Tartans win when they absolutely have to win, earning a piece of the Sierra along with a playoff berth. With Chino Hills likely beating Diamond Bar tomorrow night, there will be a three-way tie, with coin flips deciding the order of finish for the Central Division playoffs. If the Hills lose, then Damien gets the No. 1 entry because it beat Glendora.
Los Alamitos 31, Fountain Valley 22 -- With Los Alamitos (8-2, 3-2) winning, they join Fountain Valley (8-2, 3-2) in a tie for second behind Edison (9-0, 4-0), the Sunset League champion. While it's not the best result for Bishop Amat, it won't matter if Esperanza (4-5, 1-3) defeats Newport Harbor (5-4, 2-2) on Friday, thus pushing Newport Harbor into sole possession of fourth with a 5-5 overall record, helping the Lancers' at-large chances. If Newport Harbor wins, then panic sets in, because there would be a three-way tie for second, with coin flips deciding the order of finish, leaving the Lancers with the possibility of fighting for the wild card spot with Los Alamitos or Fountain Valley, who would both have the same records if the Lancers lose to Notre Dame.

For quarter-by-quarter updates of tonight's games, click thread

By Fred J. Robledo
Showing once again that baseball in the East San Gabriel Valley is alive and well, eight area baseball players signed national letters of intent during the early signing period on Wednesday, which was the first day that high school seniors other than football players could sign. Ten area girls also made their decisions known, which gave the Valley a whopping 18 area signees. (to Continue reading click thread

From top left, Janelle Kearney (Diamond Ranch, Boise State), Arman Valenzuela (Northview, Loyola Marymount), Jacob Smigelski (Glendora, Loyola Marymount), Jerry McClanahan (Bishop Amat, UC Irvine) From middle left, Melinda Gomez (South Hills, Loyola Marymount), Sydney Stewart (Diamond Ranch, UNLV), Derek Goodwin (Diamond Ranch, Sacramento State), Chloe Wurst (Bonita, West Texas A&M) From bottom left, Aleina Dominguez (Wilson, Nevada Reno), Jasmine Roth (Bishop Amat, Arizona State), Natalie Maxey (South Hills, UC Santa Barbara), Paul Paez (Bishop Amat, University of San Diego). Photographed at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune in West Covina on Wednesday, Nov. 11. 2009. (SGVN/Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda)

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
The admirable qualities of Baldwin Park quarterback Manny Salcedo and wide receiver Christian Lazaro would make the Baldwin Park old-timers proud. The seniors know about the Braves' tradition and what it would mean if they could knock off San Dimas on Friday.
San Dimas (8-1, 4-0) is the No. 2-ranked team in the Mid-Valley Division, just ahead of No. 4 Baldwin Park (8-1, 4-0), who will host Friday's Valle Vista League game for the championship.
"It would be hell on Earth around here," Salcedo said if the Braves pulled it off. "The fans in Baldwin Park have been waiting a long time. The school has been waiting. That's why we work our butt off, for games like this."

The Tribune's Fred Robledo, Steve Ramirez and Time Warner's popular Reginald Miller discuss four of Friday's top games. Don't miss it!

Thursday's game
Ayala vs. Glendora at Citrus College, 7 p.m.
Friday's games
San Dimas at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m.
Notre Dame at Bishop Amat, 7:30 p.m.
South Hills at Rowland, 7 p.m.

Rowland quarterback Michael Ball will not suit up when the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division's No. 3 Raiders (8-1, 2-1) play host to No. 2 South Hills (7-3, 3-0) on Friday for a piece of the San Antonio League title. Ball broke his collarbone in a 27-17 victory over Walnut on Oct. 16 and is making steady improvement toward a possible return for the first round of the playoffs next week, although a second-round appearance is more likely should the Raiders advance that far. When Ball was healthy, the Raiders were undefeated and the top-ranked team in the division. As a sophomore he led the Raiders to the Southeast semifinals, where they lost to eventual champion Charter Oak. To continue, click thread

Once again, a local coach has stepped up and offered to help give insight to what's going on in cross country. This comes from Glendora assistant coach Bob Ramsey

Ramsey wrote: Most of the East San Gabriel Valley's cross country athletes ended their seasons last week at their leagues championship finals meets. There were a number of outstanding performances, with league championships being decided, along with the qualifying spots for this weekends CIF - Southern Section Prelims. To continue, click thread

Tribune Top Ten
1. Bishop Amat (8-1) - Those expecting the Lancers to drop after their first loss of the season have short memories. Let me remind you, St. Bonaventure, Alemany, Damien, Diamond Ranch, West Covina, St. Paul. Show me another school with a resume of victories like that. Exactly.
2. Charter Oak (8-1) - Okay, so Charter Oak needs to beat Los Altos to win the Miramonte outright and lock down the No. 1 seed in the Southeast. That's a done deal, the real compelling question is will they earn their fourth straight shutout and goose the league.
3. South Hills (7-2) - The most improved team since mid-season. They have put the Canada drama behind, the players are in the right spots and they're playing with an extreme confidence. I know West Covina knocked them off to force a three-way title last year. Rowland won't do it this year.
4. San Dimas (8-1) - With Monrovia and Paraclete expected to be No. 1 and No. 4 respectively in the Mid-Valley, the Saints desperately want to hang on to their No. 2 ranking, which would be a much better path toward the divisional title.
5. Baldwin Park (8-1) -- They have heard all season that San Dimas is better. They have heard the logic, that Bonita beat B.P., and San Dimas beat Bonita. None of that matters to the Braves, though. They believe the Valle Vista title is theirs to lose.
6. West Covina (5-4) - Still not ranked in the Southeast, so let me repeat what I said last week: With everyone doing their mock brackets, the Bulldogs are the team everyone desperately wants to avoid in the playoffs. CIF doesn't factor strength of schedule when determining rankings, but potential opponents no better.
7. Rowland (8-1) - I know they only have one loss and are the third-ranked team in the Southeast, which makes their finale against the No. 2 Huskies for the league title a blockbuster on paper. But lets be honest, it would be a total shocker if the Raiders upset South Hills.
8. Damien (4-5) -- Spartans coaches probably hate when I say this, but there is no way they're losing to winless Chino in the finale at home Thursday. Coach Gano is going to at least share the Sierra league title in his first year there, and if they can earn the league's No. 1 entry, they might actually win a round or two in the playoffs.
9. Glendora (6-3) -- After what they did to Chino Hills you have to ask what they would have been like if they had a healthy Andre Holmes for four quarters against Damien. Well, it doesn't matter, the Tartans compete for their playoff lives against Ayala on Thursday. It's pretty simple, win or stay home.
10. Azusa (8-1) -- When the Aztecs beat Workman on Friday, they will have gone undefeated in the most competitive Montview in years. With a No. 3 ranking in the Mid-Valley, how far can they actually advance? Depending on the draw, I can surely picture them in the semifinals.

The Middle 10
11. Arroyo (7-2), 12. Walnut (7-2), 13. La Puente (7-2), 14. Diamond Ranch (3-6), 15. Gladstone (7-2), 16. Bonita (3-6), 17. Workman (6-3), 18. Rosemead (4-5), 19. Los Altos (3-6), 20. Covina (4-5)

On the bottom looking up
21. Pomona (5-4), 22. South El Monte (3-6), 23. Sierra Vista (4-5), 24. Wilson (2-7), 25. Nogales (2-7), 26. Bassett (3-6), 27. Diamond Bar (1-8), 28. Ganesha (1-8), 29. Northview (1-8), 30. El Monte (0-9), 31. Mountain View (0-9), 32. Duarte (0-9)

****CIF POLLS****
Southeast Division
1. Charter Oak, 2. South Hills, 3. Rowland, 4. Schurr, 5. Burbank, 6. Burroughs, 7. Crescenta Valley, 8. California, 9. Pasadena, 10. Walnut.

Mid-Valley Division
1. Monrovia, 2. San Dimas, 3. Azusa, 4. Baldwin Park, 5. Paraclete, 6. Arroyo, 7. Gladstone, 8. La Puente, 9. San Marino, 10. Valley Christian.

Pac-5 Division
1. Edison, 2. Mission Viejo, 3. Servite, 4. Notre Dame, 5. Lakewood, 6. Dana Hills, 7. Fountain Valley, 8. Bishop Amat, 9. Los Alamitos, 10. Crespi.

Central Division
1. Colton, 2. Rarncho Cucamonga, 3. Colony, 4. Elsinore, 5. Los Osos, 6. Chino Hills, 7. Arroyo Valley, 8. Etiwanda, 9. Glendora, 10. Upland.

Notre Dame pounded Bishop Amat 56-21 last year. Go ahead and watch if it's not too painful.

I have gone through most of the playoff scenarios involving Bishop Amat using the tiebreaker system below, figuring the only teams with a chance of earning the Pac-5 at-large berth are the third place team from the Serra, or the fourth-place team from the Sunset League. Interestingly enough, what we don't know and won't know until Sunday is who the CIF advisory committee determines is a stronger league, thus earning a huge point. "If we told you that, it would take away all the fun," CIF-SS spokesperson Thom Simmons joked. Let's take the worst case scenario, a Bishop Amat loss, leaving them 8-2 and in third. I will also assume the fourth place team in the Sunset lost, since that's the only way they could fall to fourth. Here is how they stack up against the competition.

Bishop Amat (8-2) vs. Fountain Valley (8-2)
CIF's tiebreaker for wild-cards is as follows
(a) Head-to-head competition of teams under consideration (4 points) -- Wash, no points
(b) Overall strength of the league from which the team is entered (1 point) -- ?
(c) Overall win-loss record (1 point) -- Wash, no points
(d) Strength against common opponents (1 point), Wash, no points.
(e) Strength of schedule (2 points, using overall win-loss record of opponents), Advantage Bishop Amat, two points.
Bishop Amat leads 2-0

Bishop Amat (8-2) vs. Newport Harbor (6-4)
CIF's tiebreaker for wild-cards is as follows
(a) Head-to-head competition of teams under consideration (4 points) -- Wash, no points
(b) Overall strength of the league from which the team is entered (1 point) -- ?
(c) Overall win-loss record (1 point) -- Advantage Amat, 1 point
(d) Strength against common opponents (1 point), Wash, no points.
(e) Strength of schedule (2 points, using overall win-loss record of opponents), Advantage Newpot Harbor, two points.
Newport Harbor leads 2-1 (schedule strength determining factor)

Bishop Amat (8-2) vs. Los Alamitos (7-3)
CIF's tiebreaker for wild-cards is as follows
(a) Head-to-head competition of teams under consideration (4 points) -- Wash, no points
(b) Overall strength of the league from which the team is entered (1 point) -- ?
(c) Overall win-loss record (1 point) -- Advantage Amat, 1 point
(d) Strength against common opponents (1 point), Wash, no points.
(e) Strength of schedule (2 points, using overall win-loss record of opponents), Advantage Los Alamitos, two points.
Los Alamitos leads 2-1 (schedule strength determining factor)

FINALLY: If Bishop Amat loses, they trail by a point to Los Alamitos and Newport Harbor.Two things have to happen for the Lancers to advance. First, the CIF Advisory committee must determine that the Serra is a stronger league than the Sunset, which would give the Lancers the point they need to finish in a 2-2 tie with Los Alamitos and Newport Harbor. In the event of a tie on points, a four person at-large committee will gather together and use their best judgment when determining who gets the at-large berth. There are other scenarios that come into play, but at the end of the day, people, not point totals or computers, will probably decide who gets in. Also, Joe Amat was right about strength of schedule. If Bishop Amat had scheduled and defeated Azusa, San Dimas and Baldwin Park, who have a combined record of 24-3, it would have been more beneficial than defeating Diamond Ranch (3-6), West Covina (5-4) and Damien (4-5), whose combined record is the reason the Lancers lose the tiebreakers to Los Alamitos and Newport Harbor. Silly isn't it, but it's the truth.

West Covina beat Walnut 31-11, but the Mustangs, already eliminated from the playoffs, are still the No. 10-ranked team in the Southeast polls. The Bulldogs also defeated No. 3 Rowland, 32-10, and compete in arguably the toughest league in the division, but are nowhere to be found in the polls because of their 5-4 overall record, which of course includes losses to 8-1 powers Venice and Bishop Amat. But it still doesn't make sense that Pasadena, with a similar 5-4 record, is No. 9 in the polls. Heck, even Whittier is mentioned in "others" with a 4-5 record. West Covina wasn't mentioned at all. To continue, click thread

Steve and I will go head-to-head throughout the season. Here is our updated records on the Tribskin Pick'em thread.

Robledo: Last week/Total: 16-0/145-36
Ramirez: Last week/Total: 14-2/132-49

Last Week: For those who say I can't pick games, I repeat again, look at the record. In the past two week's I'm 33-1 after going 16-0 for the first time in history. Talk about getting in playoff mode, I'm so hot right now, don't go against me :) Steve was not bad at 14-2, but he was foolish enough to take Bishop Amat over Crespi and Pomona over Covina, two games I called precisely.

This week: On Thursday, Glendora can knock Ayala out of the playoffs with a victory, and they will, guaranteeing themselves a playoff spot and a Sierra League tri-title. We saw what Pasqy did with a week to prepare against Chino Hills, expect the same. Bishop Amat has not lost at home in the Hagerty area, and this is just the spot they need to pull off another big signature win against Notre Dame. I've got the feeling again, the Lancers are going to pull this off. The only major question is if they lose, will they get the Pac-5 at-large playoff berth? From what I hear there is no guarantee. Talk about nervous time. After what I saw South Hills do against Walnut, there is not way I'm going against them against Rowland, the Huskies win the San Antonio outright. Finally, the Valley Vista league showdown goes to San Dimas. Zernickow said he believes the Saints have never won a game at Baldwin Park. This is the time. BTW, I haven't decided which is the game of the week, but I'm down to Amat-NDame or San Dimas-BPark.

This weeks games and predictions
Thursday's games
Chino at Damien, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Damien); Ramirez (Damien)
Glendora vs. Ayala at Citrus College, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Glendora); Ramirez (Glendora)
Pomona at Ganesha, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Pomona); Ramirez (Pomona)
Firebaugh at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Sierra Vista); Ramirez (Sierra Vista)
Friday's games
Charter Oak at Los Altos 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Charter Oak); Ramirez (Charter Oak)
Diamond Ranch vs. Wilson at Ganesha, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (DRanch); Ramirez (Diamond Ranch)
El Monte at Mountain View, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (El Monte); Ramirez (Mountain View)
Rosemead at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Rosemead); Ramirez (Rosemead)
South El Monte at Arroyo, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Arroyo); Ramirez (Arroyo)
Duarte at Bassett, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Bassett); Ramirez (Bassett)
Gladstone at La Puente, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (La Puente); Ramirez (La Puente)
Workman vs. Azusa at Citrus College, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Azusa); Ramirez (Azusa)
Nogales at West Covina, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (WCovina); Ramirez (West Covina)
South Hills at Rowland, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (South Hills); Ramirez (South Hills)
Notre Dame at Bishop Amat, 7:30 p.m. -- Robledo (Bishop Amat); Ramirez (Notre Dame)
Diamond Bar at Chino Hills, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (CHills); Ramirez (Chino Hills)
Covina vs. Northview at CDF, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Covina); Ramirez (Covina)
San Dimas at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (San Dimas); Ramirez (San Dimas)
Walnut at Bonita, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Bonita); Ramirez (Walnut)

Joe Amat wrote: While I still strongly feel if Amat happens to finish 3rd in the Serra they will again be the At-Large representative in the Pac5 - upon further review (sound like a replay official!) the way CIF determines strength of schedule (by opponents record) it is closer than it initially appears to be on the surface. "smallcitymc" and tcbruin" have expressed some concern that I've tried to put to rest (and still feel fairly confident) but seeing that CIF does not go "next level" by looking at *opponents-opponents record* to determine SOS their concern is "somewhat" warranted. Their process makes a game against a school like Corona Del Mar (who is winless in a weak Pacific Coast league) worth more than playing Loyola(whose schedule was off the charts) or LB Wilson worth as much as Crespi.(both could be 6-4 at seasons end). However, everyone knows who is stronger in both cases. To continue reading click thread

CIF's tiebreaker for wild-cards is as follows
(a) Head-to-head competition of teams under consideration (4 points)
(b) Overall strength of the league from which the team is entered (1 point)
(c) Overall win-loss record (1 point)
(d) Strength against common opponents (1 point)
(e) Strength of schedule (2 points, using overall win-loss record of opponents)

Wednesday's semifinals
Division 3
Murrieta Valley vs. Damien, 7:30 p.m., Mt. SAC
Laguna Beach vs. Montebello, 6 p.m., Mt. SAC

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
Damien, Walnut and Bonita high schools featured the top three boys water polo teams in the area this fall, and all three received favorable draws when the CIF- Southern Section released divisional playoff pairings Sunday. All three received top-four seeds, with Bonita getting the No.3 seed in Division 5 and Damien and Walnut, which both advanced to the divisional semifinals last season, receiving No. 4 seeds in Divisions 3 and 6, respectively. To Continue, click thread

Boys Water Polo
All games begin at 3 p.m.
Tuesday's games
Division III wild-card
Glendora at Yucaipa
Division V first round
Charter Oak bye
Bonita bye
Division VI first round
Rowland at Hoover
Pasadena at Nogales
Walnut bye
Wednesday's games
Division III first round
Bell Gardens at Damien

Anything and anyone you want to talk about

Guru Says: Folks, I've been doing this stuff for six years and I can't remember a year that is as much of a mess as this division as we go into week 10. To read his breakdown, click thread

Game of the week? there are three to choose from, you decide. Notre Dame at Bishop Amat, South Hills at Rowland, or San Dimas at Baldwin Park?

Who's No. 1: The question has to be answered now that Bishop Amat lost. Has Charter Oak been good enough lately to reclaim their top spot? Or is the Lancers' body of work just too strong?

Athletes of the week: Looking for nominations for boys and girls athletes of the week.

Thursday's games
Chino at Damien, 7 p.m.
Glendora vs. Ayala at Citrus College, 7 p.m.
Pomona at Ganesha, 7 p.m.
Firebaugh at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m.

Friday's games
Charter Oak at Los Altos 7 p.m.
Diamond Ranch vs. Wilson at Ganesha, 7 p.m.
El Monte at Mountain View, 7 p.m.
Rosemead at Gabrielino, 7 p.m.
South El Monte at Arroyo, 7 p.m.
Duarte at Bassett, 7 p.m.
Gladstone at La Puente, 7 p.m.
Workman vs. Azusa at Citrus College, 7 p.m.
Nogales at West Covina, 7 p.m.
South Hills at Rowland, 7 p.m.
Notre Dame at Bishop Amat, 7:30 p.m.
Diamond Bar at Chino Hills, 7 p.m.
Covina vs. Northview at CDF, 7 p.m.
San Dimas at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m.
Walnut at Bonita, 7 p.m.

Saturday's result
Diamond Ranch 30, Los Altos 10 -- The Conqs clinch the second spot in the Miramonte, should be another dangerous playoff opponent.

Tonight's results
South Hills 48, Walnut 27 -- The Huskies jump out to a 41-0 lead keyed by Geoffrey Vaughns' two interceptions. The Mustangs scored 27 unanswered late.
Crespi 38, Bishop Amat 25 -- The Lancers trailed 21-3 and fought to get back in it, but they gave up too many points to claw all the way back. It's not the end of the world, they can still clinch a share of the Serra title next week with a win at home against Notre Dame, who beat Loyola 45-14.
Damien 52, Diamond Bar 3 -- The Spartans are not just winning, they're flexing their muscles and getting ready to clinch at least a share of the Sierra title.
Arroyo 57, Mountain View 7 -- The Knights actually trailed 7-0 before going on a 57-point run.
Rosemead 52, El Monte 20 -- Matt Fregoso had 370 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns. Can you say player of the week?
Rowland 42, Nogales 20 -- The Raiders only led 14-13 at half, then pulled away and clinched a playoff spot.
Gladstone 42, Bassett 6 -- The Gladiators needed this to stay in playoff contention while eliminating the Olympians at the same time.
La Puente 41, Sierra Vista 7 -- If not for their lone loss to Azusa, what would you be saying about the way the Warriors handled everyone else?
Workman 23, Duarte 0 -- The only surprise was how close the score was.
Chino Hills 14, Ayala 7 -- Just thought I would share it with you.
Glendora 28, Chino 10 -- The Tartans take care of business, can clinch a share of the Sierra and a playoff spot with a win at home against Ayala.
San Dimas 49, Northview 24 -- It's official, we can start getting ready for next week's showdown at Baldwin Park for the VVL title.
Covina 7, Pomona 2 -- Sounds like a Colts baseball score, but anyways, this probably does clinch a playoff spot.
Bonita 47, Wilson 3 -- The Bearcats take care of business to keep their playoff hopes alive.
South El Monte 28, Gabrielino 3 -- The Eagles not only clinched a playoff spot, but will play for a piece of the MVL against Arroyo next week.

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
HUNTINGTON BEACH - Glendora High School didn't win a pseudo CIF-Southern Section field hockey title. But the Tartans earned a pretty good consolation prize Thursday. Amy Sefton scored a goal and had three assists and Glendora scored a 4-1 victory over Fountain Valley in the third-place game of the Los Angeles Field Hockey Association Tournament of Champions at Edison High School. To continue, click thread

Game Story: Baldwin Park's 49-14 victory over Ganesha on Thursday night was another step for the Braves toward a Valle Vista League title. Ganesha, meanwhile, took one more step toward a new league it will form next year with opposition that will provide more evenly matched games, according to Giants coach Dave Fleming. Baldwin Park (8-1, 4-0) has one more matchup this season it's looking forward to. If San Dimas can beat Covina Northview today, the lone team Ganesha (1-8, 1-3) has defeated this season, Baldwin Park and San Dimas will play for an outright Valle Vista League championship on Nov. 13.

Thursday countdown question:I don't like to use the term sleepers with teams having great years, but wouldn't it be a total surprise if one of these four won a CIF championship? Which of them has the best chance of winning their division and shocking us all?

South Hills and Bishop Amat, arguably the best two baseball teams in the Valley this spring, will both participate in the prestigious National Classic.

The Scouting Guru has been all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, and like always, he's offered to share his thoughts, free of charge. Don't hate, enjoy it for what it's worth, which is one man's opinion on the talent and teams in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas.

Guru Says: Well, this is my favorite time of year. We are watching tons of film for 2010 prospects. But more than that, it's close to playoff time - which means it's time for a little bracketology for the playoffs. Let's dive into it.
First, what needs to be understood is the protocol directly from the CIF-SS Handbook that is online at cifss.org. "The initial step is to designate four teams (maximum) as seeds, with No. 1 and No. 4 placed in the top bracket, and No. 2 and 3 in the bottom bracket (see Diagram 1). An exception to this procedure would be if seeds in the same half of the bracket are from the same league......Is it possible to designate more than four seeds? The task would be virtually impossible on two counts. Attempting to delineate which team is the No. 7 seed, as opposed to No. 8, or No. 12 rather than No. 13, would result in 25 different answers by 25 different people. Additionally, an attempt at a "true seed" would be in opposition to the CIF-SS Constitution and By-laws, which specify a league's designated No. 1 entry shall meet a No. 3 entry, and a No. 2 shall meet another No. 2, where the draw provides for same in the opening round."

If the area's perennial powerhouse's met in the Southeast Division championship in December, who would you take? Have the Huskies improved enough to challenge the Chargers? Because of the new leagues, you might not see this dream final again. You will see them battle for playoff spots along with Damien in the Sierra League, but as far as title games, the best chance is now, and those chances are growing by the week. Who is going to stop them, West Covina, Diamond Ranch, Rowland, one of those Burbank schools? Not this year. When you look at the three losses between them, Rancho Cucamonga, La Habra and Tesoro, there is nobody like that they will face again until they meet each other.

There are only a handful of teams with a chance to win the Mid-Valley Division, Paraclete, Monrovia, San Dimas are the top tier, Baldwin Park, Arroyo, Azusa are a not-too-close second. Where does Rosemead fit in the mix?


By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
After winning the Mission Valley League title and advancing to the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division title game last season, Rosemead High School football coach Matt Koffler is feeling good about his playoff possibilities, even though the Panthers are a mere 3-5 overall and 2-1 in league. With Arroyo (6-2, 3-0) well on its way to a Mission Valley League title after sneaking past the Panthers 14-12 in the league opener, Koffler is confident that once sturdy running back Joey Diaz returns, they will be an entirely different team.

Who are the winners and losers in the new boys basketball playoff divisions? My first thoughts were that Bishop Amat is in good place. If they can't compete for a 4AA title with the beautiful building and all the other resources at their disposal, that's not going to go over well, not with baseball and football looking so good.

Boys Basketball
1AA: Diamond Bar
1A: Walnut, West Covina
2AA: Glendora
2A: Damien, Nogales, Rowland
3AA: Arroyo, Los Altos
3A: Bonita, Charter Oak, Diamond Ranch, Mountain View, Rosemead, Sierra Vista, South Hills
4AA: Azusa, Bishop Amat, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Gladstone, La Puente, San Dimas, South El Monte, Wilson,
4A: Bassett, Blair, Workman
5AA: La Verne Lutheran

We should have quite a list of baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and other non-football players signing letters of intent next week for the early signing period. If you know of anyone signing, let us know or email me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com. We're getting a list together for a group picture...

How far can Arroyo go in the Mid-Valley Division?

Tribune Top Ten
1. Bishop Amat (8-0) - Wouldn't it be great if they defeated Crespi on the road. Think about the atmosphere next week when they would be going for 10-0 at home for first place in the Serra against reigning champion Notre Dame. It doesn't get much better than that. But first things, first.
2. Charter Oak (8-1) - People keep asking, do you still think Charter Oak would beat Bishop Amat on a neutral field? I'm stubborn enough to say yes, but also realize how foolish that sounds. I don't know why people still keep knocking the Chargers, they're only 22-1-1 since last year.
3. South Hills (6-2) - The Huskies are the sleeper nobody is talking about. We will find out just how polished they're with Walnut and Rowland next, but my guess is they will blow out both and go into the playoffs with a head of steam.
4. San Dimas (7-1) - If not for the loss against the Mid-Valley's No. 1 Monrovia, they would look so unstoppable on paper. Seriously, they're winning by a 28-point margin with three straight shutouts. That's just sick.
5. Baldwin Park (7-1) -- You gotta love that everytime San Dimas comes up with a statement victory, the Braves answer. I can't wait for the Valle Vista league finale.
6. West Covina (5-4) - I guarantee the Bulldogs will be the team nobody wants to face in the first round of the Southeast playoffs. I know they have four losses, but that was a lot of injuries ago.
7. Rowland (7-1) - The Raiders got handled by West Covina, but they still have a shot at the San Antonio league title in the finale against South Hills. A loss, which is more likely, drops them to third.
8. Damien (3-5) -- The Spartans are nowhere to be found in the Central Rankings, and for a very good five-loss reason. But they're in the best position to finish strong, and regardless of the rankings, they have a chance to grab the league's top seed with victories over Diamond Bar and Chino.
9. Glendora (5-3) -- Quarterback Chad Jeffries stepped up and had a monster game in their upset over Chino Hills. The Tartans should beat Chino this week, then can play for a tie of the Sierra League title against Ayala in the finale.
10. Azusa (8-1) -- The back-to-back Montview League champions are sitting pretty as the No. 3 seed in the Mid-Valley Division. We all talk about the great job Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty is doing, but Aztecs coach Joe Scherf deserves coach of the year consideration too.

The Middle 10
11. Walnut (6-2), 12. Arroyo (6-2), 13. La Puente (6-2), 14. Gladstone (6-2), 15. Diamond Ranch (2-6), 16. Bonita (2-5), 17. Workman (5-3), 18. Los Altos (3-5), 19. Pomona (5-3), 20. Rosemead (3-5).

On the bottom looking up
21. Covina (3-5), 22. Sierra Vista (4-4), 23. Wilson (2-6), 24. Nogales (2-6), 25. Bassett (3-5), 26. South El Monte (2-6), 27. Diamond Bar (1-7), 28. Ganesha (1-7), 29. Northview (1-7), 30. El Monte (0-8), 31. Mountain View (0-8), 32. Duarte (0-8)

The view from Diamond Ranch High School after a brush fire broke out on Tuesday....

Girls Volleyball Top 10
1. South Hills (15-5)
2. St. Lucy's (22-4)
3. Walnut (16-4)
4. Bonita (13-6)
5. San Dimas (18-4)
6. Glendora (8-4)
7. Los Altos 13-6
8. Ganesha (19-4)
9. La Puente (14-10)
10. Diamond Bar (16-10)

Comments: For the first time in a few weeks, we have a new No. 1 as South Hills subplants St. Lucy's after the Regents lost in five to Ayala last week. Will will see what the Huskies do with their new status when they travel to No. 3 Walnut tonight for a San Antonio League showdown. it's one of three battles for first place today. No. 9 La Puente hosts Gladstone and No. 5 San Dimas travels to No. 8 Ganesha. Speaking of the Saints, they move up to No. 5. after getting two more sweeps in the Valle Vista, and taking advantage of Glendora and Los Altos losing, albeit to ranked teams. Diamond Bar makes a return to the top 10 after putting together a late surge in recent weeks.

Above: South Hills' Jackie Valle-Acosta spikes Walnut

Update:
South Hills def. Walnut, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 21-25, 15-9 - The Huskies clinched their second outright title in three years with the victory. Melinda Gomez had 15 kills, with Marisa Gomez and Jackie Valle-Acosta 14 each to lead South Hills. The Huskies also got 13 kills from Karina Jones and 62 assists from Bre Hunter.

Other Scores
Miramonte League
Bonita def. Wilson 25-10, 25-16, 25-18.
Montview League
Gladstone def. La Puente 14-25, 25-13, 25-18, 25-20.
Sierra League
Glendora def. Chino 25-10, 25-7, 25-17.
Valle Vista League
San Dimas def. Ganesha 25-19, 25-19, 25-14.

Charter Oak High School football coach Lou Farrar started third-string quarterback Kyle Brown in Friday's 42-0 win over Wilson, and Brown did well in completing 6 of 10 attempts for 119 yards and two touchdowns. According to Farrar, sophomore starting quarterback Travis Santiago "got his bell rung" a week earlier in a 12-0 win over Diamond Ranch, the same game in which backup quarterback Josiah Thropay was lost for the season with a broken collarbone while playing receiver.

Damien coach Greg Gano and Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton each have faced Bishop Amat and are not surprised by the Lancers' 8-0 start, their best since going 9-0 in 1998. "They're coached-up as well as anyone," Layton said. "When you think of having Daylon McCutcheon and Rodney Sermons on your coaching staff, those are San Gabriel Valley legends. What impresses me the most is that they're not doing it with a bunch of superstars, they're doing it with discipline. I always have said when Bishop Amat is winning, it's great for football in the Valley. When they win it makes us all look good." To continue reading, click thread

Below: Relive Bishop Amat's 27-24 overtime victory over Loyola on Friday. Hagerty speaks at the end.

Once again, a local coach has stepped up and offered to help give insight to what's going on in cross country. This comes from Glendora assistant coach Bob Ramsey

Ramsey said: Local cross county teams move into the final phase of the season this week, with each of the local leagues holding their Championship Finals meets. These meets will determine league championships along with CIF qualifying spots - with the top three teams in most leagues and top four in 7-8 team leagues advancing to CIF prelims. Individuals on non-advancing teams who finish in the top six in their leagues will also qualify for CIF. To continue, click thread

As we inch closer to the Nov. 25 season openers, tell us who the top teams and players are for the 2009-10 season. Diamond Ranch and Bishop Amat should dominate the girls, but the boys is a tough one. Diamond Ranch, Nogales, Northview, Bonita and Glendora all lost a strong group of players. Even Workman takes a step back with CJ Guerrero going back to St. John Bosco, making you wonder, is he even eligible? La Verne Lutheran? I'm wondering if I should include them in our rankings, because if I'm being honest, they're No. 1 by a longshot.

Will the good times continue at Nogales?

Below: These are how the rankings ended in March, how will they look when the season begins?
BOYS BASKETBALL
1. Diamond Ranch (22-4)
2. Nogales (21-7)
3. Northview (21-6)
4. Bonita (22-5)
5. Glendora (21-7)
6. Workman (19-5)
7. Bishop Amat (17-9)
8. Charter Oak (18-9)
9. Diamond Bar (16-12)
10. Damien (16-11)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
1. Diamond Ranch (21-4)
2. Bishop Amat (20-5)
3. Sierra Vista (21-3)
4. Bonita (17-9)
5. South Hills (17-7)
6. Walnut (16-8)
7. West Covina (15-9)
8. Northview (17-9)
9. San Dimas (14-11)
10. Covina (16-9)

After a year off, Lancers coach Richard Wiard is back. But when will the Lancers join the top teams in the Southland again?

Below are the final rankings in February, go ahead and tell us who the top teams, top players are as we get ready for the 2009-10 season previews. The first games are on Nov. 25

Purple Pride: Mountain View celebrating a CIF-SS Divisional title and has almost everyone back. Can you say repeat.

BOYS SOCCER
1. Baldwin Park (21-1)
2. Sierra Vista (18-2-2)
3. Mountain View (16-4-4)
4. Los Altos (11-4-3)
5. Wilson (17-4-2)
6. Bishop Amat (14-5-4)
7. Rosemead
8. West Covina (14-4-3)
9. South Hills (12-4-3)
10. Diamond Ranch (13-5-3)

GIRLS SOCCER
1. St. Lucy's (15-3-4)
2. Walnut (14-5-2)
3. Bishop Amat (17-2-4)
4. Glendora (15-9-3)
5. South Hills (14-8-1)
6. Los Altos (15-7-3)
7. Diamond Ranch (11-7-4)
8. San Dimas (17-4-4)
9. South El Monte (12-4-1)
10. Charter Oak (15-7-3)

Is this the year South Hills finally dethrones Walnut?

Above: Photo courtesy of Glendora athletics

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
When you think of how many close games the Glendora High School football team has been in this season, it sure helps to have a cool kicker to count on in the clutch.
Matt Kerman has been just that for the Tartans. It was his extra point that finished off a stunning, 91-yard scoring drive in the final minute and a half that gave the Tartans a 21-20 victory over Anaheim Canyon back in September. It was Kerman's 22-yard field goal as time expired that gave the Tartans a 16-14 victory over Diamond Ranch on Oct. 2. "When you get in that situation, you realize how hard your team has worked to set you up," Kerman said. "You don't want to let them down. Besides, I couldn't go to school the next day if I missed."

Southeast Division
1. Charter Oak (8-1), 2. South Hills (6-2), 3. Burbank (7-1), 4. Crescenta Valley (6-2), 5. Walnut (6-2), 6. Rowland (7-1), 7. Bell Gardens (6-2), 8. Schurr (6-1-1), 9. Santa Fe (6-2), 10. Burroughs (6-2).
Mid-Valley Division
1. Monrovia (8-0), 2. San Dimas (7-1), 3. Azusa (8-1), 4. Baldwin Park (7-1), 5. Paraclete (6-3), 6. Arroyo (6-2), 7. Gladstone (6-2), 8, La Puente (6-2), 9. Village Christian (6-2), 10. San Marino (6-2).
Central Division
1. Colton (7-1), 2. Rancho Cucamonga (7-1), 3. Colony (7-1), 4. Etiwanda (6-2), 5. Upland (7-1), 6. Elsinore (6-2), 7. Chino Hills (6-2), 8. Arroyo Valley (6-2), 9. Glendora (5-3), 10. Ayala (6-2).
Pac-5 Division
1. Edison (8-0), 2. Mission Viejo (8-0), 3. Servite (7-1), 4. Notre Dame (7-1), 5. Lakewood (8-1), 6. Fountain Valley (8-0), 7. Bishop Amat (8-0), 8. Dana Hills (7-1), 9. Los Alamitos (6-2), 10. Orange Lutheran (5-3).

Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty has his sights set on Crespi next. Once again, the Lancers will be on the front page Friday night, and we will have scoring updates for those who can't make the trip.

Steve and I will go head-to-head throughout the season. Here is our updated records on the Tribskin Pick'em thread.

Robledo: Last week/Total: 17-1/129-36
Ramirez: Last week/Total: 15-3/118-47

Last Week: For those who say I can't pick games, look at the overall record, that's almost an 80 percent winning percentage. I would have gone 18-0 if not for Glendora upsetting Chino Hills on Matthew Kerman's game-winning field goal. Steve lost two more by taking Rowland over West Covina and Bassett over Sierra Vista. There is no way he can catch me, an 11-game lead with two weeks before the playoffs. I can start making my dinner plans, which of course is on Stevie.
This week: With 16 games, I'm singling out four, which means the other twelve are locks. Let's start with Bishop Amat. Eight is enough. They will lose at Crespi this week. The Lancers haven't had to play anyone this talented on the road, having played close to home in other road wins against Diamond Ranch, Damien, West Covina and St. Paul. Calpreps lists the Lancers as a 30-28 winner, but don't count on it, the Lancers' best bet is returning home and knocking off Notre Dame in the finale. I like Covina to knock off Pomona for that third playoff spot. The Colts have played tougher opponents, and have the offense to get it done. Take South Hills over Walnut. The Mustangs will go 7-3 and miss the playoffs, unfortunate but a reality of having four strong teams and only three playoff spots. Finally, take Diamond Ranch to clinch a playoff spot in the Miramonte with a win over Los Altos. The Conqs just can't seem to win the big one.

This week's games and predictions
Thursday's games
Baldwin Park at Ganesha, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (BPark); Ramirez (Baldwin Park)
Friday's games
Arroyo at Mountain View, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Arroyo); Ramirez (Arroyo)
Rosemead at El Monte, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Rosemead); Ramirez (Rosemead)
South El Monte at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (SElMonte); Ramirez (South El Monte)
Bassett vs. Gladstone at Citrus College, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Gladstone); Ramirez (Gladstone)
La Puente at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (La Puente); Ramirez (La Puente)
Workman vs. Duarte at La Puente, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Workman); Ramirez (Workman)
Rowland at Nogales, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Rowland); Ramirez (Rowland)
South Hills vs. Walnut at CDF, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (South Hills); Ramirez (South Hills)
Bishop Amat at Crespi, 7:30 p.m. -- Robledo (Crespi); Ramirez (Bishop Amat)
Damien at Diamond Bar, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Damien); Ramirez (Damien)
Glendora at Chino, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Glendora); Ramirez (Glendora)
Northview at San Dimas, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (San Dimas); Ramirez (San Dimas)
Pomona vs. Covina at Ganesha, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Covina); Ramirez (Pomona)
Wilson at Bonita, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (Bonita); Ramirez (Bonita)
Saturday's games
Los Altos vs. Diamond Ranch at Ganesha, 7 p.m. -- Robledo (DRanch); Ramirez (DRanch)

Glendora quarterback Chad Jeffries' spectacular two-point conversion against Chino Hills on Friday night that cut the Huskies' lead t o 14-8 in the third quarter. That play made the difference in their 24-23 victory.

Relive Bishop Amat's thrilling last second-victory over Crespi last season. The Lancers face Crespi again on Friday. BTW, The Times' Eric Sondheimer says to watch out for Celts quarterback Bryan Bennett, who is on his way to Oregon. He threw for 302 yards and two TDs in their loss to Notre Dame.