BURBANK BULLDOGS 09 - burbankbulldogs09

By Mike Martin

(Santa Fe Springs)- After a first round upset a couple years before by Burbank, Santa Fe gets payback Friday night with a 28-14 victory over the Bulldogs 28-14.

The Chiefs rushing game was able to dominate the Burbank defense up and down the field all night long. Santa Fe’s passing one-two punch of Christian Mahlstede and Steven Hernandez put the dragger in the back of Bulldog’s defense as they had no answer for the Chiefs.

Burbank’s first possession of the game seemed to be the most promising drive of the night as the offense took the ball all the way down field from its own four yard line to the Santa Fe end zone with a four yard lob from Adam Colman to Ryan Thanaratnam with 5:36 left in the open quarter. The PAT by Varaga Zeinali made it the lone Bulldog lead of the night 7-0.

The Chiefs answered back rather stoutly driving the ball down to mid field. Santa Fe’s drive end with an amazing trick play that had Joey Davis take the snap toss to Justin Rincon who launched it down field to the night’s showstopper, Hernandez for a fifty yard touchdown pass with 2:42 left. The Chief’s would knot it all up with the extra point by Manuel Meza.

Burbank’s next drive looked promising as they drove into Santa Fe territory to put the ball well within Zeinali’s leg range for a twenty-four yard pooch in the opening minutes of the second. The Chief’s would catch a break with a muffed snap to block the field goal and start the momentum drive for Santa Fe.

The Chief’s worst scare of the night came with 9:48 left in the second as Mahlstede went down complaining of a shin injury. Bad news for the Bank was Mahlstede would return just a few minutes after the injury. Santa Fe kept the chains moving off of a fake field goal with 1:36 left before the half when there kicker Manuel Meza showed his magic feet for a first down to keep the drive alive. Five seconds later with the momentum in the Chief’s favor as Mahlstede connected to Davis for his first touchdown of the night from seven yards out. To make it 14-7 after the PAT.

Santa Fe stuck the dagger a bit deeper in the Bulldogs as they would score once more before the half as Justin Rincon ran from eleven yards out with fifteen ticks left on the clock to make the score going into the lockers 21-7.

The second half was mildly uneventful and one sided as the Big Blue could not slow down the rushing game of the Chiefs. Santa Fe would score one last time as Davis got to the end zone for his second score of the night from nine yards out for a rushing TD this time with 10:09 left in the third making it 28-7.

Burbank’s only other score of the night came with 6:40 left in the third. Quortney Brazier showed his speed as he would run in from four yards out to make the score 28-14. The Chief’s would run the clock out for the most part in the fourth to make it a snoozer and end the bleeding of the Bulldogs.

Santa Fe’s victory keeps them in the playoffs for another week, but for the Chiefs this win was a bitter sweet after an upset by Burbank two years earlier.

For the Bulldogs they will have to wait till next year to try for their storybook playoff run.

Bellflower (5-5, Suburban #4) at West Covina (9-1, Hacienda #1)

Burbank (7-3, Pacific #3) at Santa Fe (6-4, Del Rio #2)

Diamond Ranch (5-5, Hacienda #3) at Mayfair (6-4, Suburban #2)

El Rancho (6-4, Del Rio at-large) at Burroughs (6-4, Pacific #1)

Muir (6-4, Pacific #4) at La Mirada (7-3, Suburban #1)

California (3-7, Del Rio #3) at Bonita (Hacienda #2)

Norwalk (6-4, Suburban #3) at Arcadia (7-3, Pacific #2)

Walnut (6-4, Hacienda #4) at La Serna (Del Rio #1)

All games scheduled for Friday, November 19

From midvalleysports.com:

Our top 16 isn’t necessarily the same as the CIF top 16. There are some changes from what CIF-SS ranks, but not much.

1. West Covina (9-1) – Bulldogs have been clicking since Week One. If not for the mental lapse against Covina, West Covina could be the only undefeated team in the area.

2. La Serna (9-1) – Took care of business without looking ahead against California. Very difficult team to defend against.

3. Bonita (9-1) – Bearcats win at home against Diamond Ranch for the first time in that brief series history.

4. La Mirada (6-4) – Matadores schedule may have come back to haunt them as they now take on dangerous Muir team.

5. Arcadia (7-3) – Talented but undersized Apaches get rewarded with a first-round game against super-sized offensive line Norwalk and Elijhaa Penny.

6. Muir (6-4) – Most coaches that we spoke with on Sunday state this is the team they did not want to face heading to the playoffs.

7. Burroughs (6-4) – Shouldn’t have any problems with at-large El Rancho, especially with Lucas Yanez playing as well as he has.

8. Diamond Ranch (5-5) – Key to Panthers season hinges on Chase Price’s health. If healthy many defenses will have to contend with his physical running style.

9. Burbank (7-3) – Loss to Indians can’t be sitting well with head coach Hector Valencia. Luckily, they can make everything right with win against Santa Fe.

10. Norwalk (6-4) – Lancers get a favorable draw against Arcadia. But can defense hold off high-powered offense of the Apaches?

11. Walnut (6-4) – Mustangs have turned things around the last three weeks and become a very tough team to defend against.

12. Mayfair (6-4) – Monsoons have had a week to get ready for first round opponent.

13. Santa Fe (6-4) – Get a re-match of the 2008 playoff gone wrong with Burbank. Chiefs will need to play near-perfect defense to win.

14. California (3-7) – Condors get to play another week against another explosive offense.

15. El Rancho (6-4) – Dons will need to have the game of its life if they want to get by Burroughs.

16. Bellflower (5-5) – Coin-tossed its way into the playoffs and the reward is West Covina.

Thursday, November 11^th

PACIFIC
Burbank (7-2, 5-1) at Burroughs (5-4, 5-1)

Last Meeting: 2009 Burbank 28-21

Since 2001 Burroughs leads 6-3

The Bulldogs would like nothing more than to defeat its cross-town rivals and stop them from winning the Pacific League title. Ulises Ochoa and Quortney Brazier are good running backs that had big games against Crescenta Valley. Adam Colman is a difference maker on offense with his ability to just will his team to a win.

The Indians were in a perfect situation just needing a win against Muir to clinch a share of the Pacific. Instead, Burroughs must now win against a team that derailed its league title hopes last year. The most impressive offensive weapon for the Indians is Zander Anding. Anding is a fast but punishing running back.

Burbank 28-24

PACIFIC
Crescenta Valley (4-5, 2-4) at Arcadia (6-3, 5-1), 7:00pm

Last Meeting: 2009 Crescenta Valley 42-13

Since 2001 Arcadia leads 6-3

The season mercifully ends for the Falcons with a trip to Arcadia. At one point Crescenta Valley was 4-1 and looking like a team that could contend in the Pacific, now they limp into the sunset with a rash of injuries.

The message to the Apaches this week, “don’t get hurt”! Arcadia has high aspirations and has made believers out of many with its play in 2010. Taylor Legace may get some play for Player of the Year.

Arcadia 42-21

Pasadena (4-5, 3-3) vs. Muir (5-4, 4-2) (Rose Bowl)

Last Meeting: 2009 Muir 34-12

Since 2001 Muir leads 9-0

It would be a shock if the Bulldogs win this, Pasadena has some playmakers and haven’t beaten Muir in a very long time.

Jeffrey Davis has willed the Mustangs to a playoff spot. After dropping four straight, they are now on a four-game winning streak . Muir shouldn’t have any trouble beating the Bulldogs for a trip to the playoffs.

Muir 35-14

Hoover (1-8, 0-6) at Glendale (0-9, 0-6) – Hoover 35-21

From midvalleysports.com

Burbank Doesn't Look Ahead

dbarker on November 5, 2010

By Tom Hendrickson

(Burbank) – The Bulldogs ensured a shot for a share of the Pacific League title with a win over beleaguered Crescenta Valley, 39-26.

Ulises Ochoa ran for scores of 54 and eight yards and Adam Colman threw for two touchdowns in the victory.

Burbank took a large lead before the end of the first half with Quortney Brazier the recipient of an 11 yard pass from Colman and Ryan Thanaratnam caught a 21-yard pass to give the Bulldogs a 21-point lead.

The Falcons tried to comeback in the second half on the shoulders of Paul Perugini who threw for a 10-yard pass to former quarterback Zac Wilkerson. The score cut the lead to 15 points with 4:54 remaining in the third quarter.

Ochoa would put the game away late in the third with an eight yard run with 2:21 remaining. The score was set up on a 46-yard pass from Colman to Jose Rodriguez to get Burbank to the eight-yard line.

Crescenta Valley would score the final 12 points to get within 13 late in the game. Kevin Fernandez scored from four-yards and Perugini added a late touchdown on a 25-yard run.

The showdown is now set for the Bulldogs who face Burroughs on Thursday evening.

This week was pretty tame in the Pacific. Arcadia, Burbank, Burroughs and Muir all were winners against teams that were heading in the wrong direction.

Teams guarding against let downs are the Apaches who face the Nitros, and Burbank battles against Crescenta Valley. Only glaring big-time meaningful game will be the Indians facing the Mustangs at Brownfield Stadium.

PACIFIC LEAGUE

Arcadia (5-3, 4-1) – Yup, still drinking the kool-aid that shows the Apaches backing in to the Pacific League title. What isn’t to like. Sheldon McKinney and Rodney Arnett running the ball down the opposing team’s throat. Myles Carr throwing to Taylor Legace and David Maldonado running back punts for touchdowns.

BODY OF WORK: 32-32 overall record of opponents, 2-3 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: Burbank (Southeast) 5-2, Muir 4-4 (Southeast)

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 11/05 vs Glendale, 11/12 vs. Crescenta Valley (4-12 record remaining opponents)

Burbank (6-2, 4-1) – The Bulldogs get all weapons back for a trap game against Crescenta Valley. Burbank can’t get caught looking ahead against a reeling Falcon team that is without its best weapon in Marro Lee. Quortney Brazier returns after sitting out last week’s game.

BODY OF WORK: 27-37 overall record of opponents, 1-2 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 11/05 vs Crescenta Valley, 11/11 vs Burroughs (9-7 record remaining opponents)

Burroughs (5-3, 5-0) – The last two games are the most important for the Indians. It means facing the likes of a third or fourth place team in the Del Rio or Suburban Leagues. If they finish second the Indians get a horror scenario like last season having to face a good team that is just as physical or deep at all positions.

BODY OF WORK: 30-34 overall record of opponents, 2-3 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: Arcadia (Southeast) 4-3

Signature Loss:

Games Remaining: 11/05 @ Muir, 11/11 vs. Burbank (10-6 record remaining opponents)

Muir (4-4, 3-2) – Here we go again with the Mustangs. If they beat Burroughs they all are assured of playing into the middle of November. They lose and the “Turkey Tussle” has meaning for the second straight season.

BODY OF WORK: 33-32 overall record of opponents, 1-4 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 11/05 vs. Pasadena, 11/12 vs. Pasadena (8-8 record remaining opponents)

Pasadena (3-5, 2-3) – Well if they don’t get caught taking Hoover lightly it should be an interesting two weeks for the Bulldogs. Could win the head-to-head battle against Muir if they beat them next week or win out-right if Muir stumbles this week.

BODY OF WORK: 29-35 overall record of opponents, 1-5 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 11/05 vs. Hoover, 11/12 vs. Muir (5-11 record remaining opponents)

Crescenta Valley (4-4, 2-3) – Falcons season is on the verge of a complete meltdown after promising to be a great year. No need to beat a dead horse with this team. Marro Lee being injured will be the biggest reason this team fell apart.

BODY OF WORK: 24-41 overall record of opponents, 1-3 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 11/05 @ Burbank, 11/12 @ Arcadia (13-8 record remaining opponents)

Glendale (0-8, 0-5) – Nitros can look forward to its game against Hoover as a possible “W”. Glendale plays well in spurts on defense which will be the difference next week. This week….not so much.

BODY OF WORK: 28-21 overall record of opponents, 0-5 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: @ Arcadia, 11/12 vs. Hoover (6-10 record remaining opponents)

Hoover (1-7, 0-5) – At one point the Tornadoes looked poised to be the sixth best team in the Pacific and make strides in the right direction. Hoover has taken a detour with the defense not playing well and the offense going on vacation.

BODY OF WORK: 38-26 overall record of opponents, 1-6 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 11/05 vs. Pasadena, 11/12 vs. Glendale (3-13 record remaining opponents)

Burbank will need to win out to get a share of the Pacific League crown. Photo by Anne Cypress

A Closer Look at the……

The body work is their win/loss record and how it holds up against others in the league and Southeast Division. We will look at some of the standout players during the previous week or season. The Mid will also project where they may finish with the remainder of the schedule left.

PACIFIC LEAGUE

Arcadia (4-3, 3-1) – Myles Carr, Rodney Arnett, Taylor Legace, and Sheldon McKinney to name a few offensive weapons that are only getting better as the season winds down.

BODY OF WORK: 26-23 overall record of opponents, 1-2 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: Burbank (Southeast) 5-2

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 10/29 vs. Hoover, 11/05 vs Glendale, 11/12 vs. Crescenta Valley (5-16 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Everett Frazier – His coming out party was at that expense of losing Taylor Legace during the game. Frazier scored two touchdowns in the win against Burbank.

Projection: First

Burbank (5-2, 3-1) – the Bulldogs dreams of sweeping the Pacific came crashing down in one crucial moment against Arcadia. Burbank is too well coached to not bounce back.

BODY OF WORK: 20-29 overall record of opponents, 0-2 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 10/29 @ Pasadena, 11/05 vs Crescenta Valley, 11/11 vs Burroughs (11-10 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Adam Colman – Tried to get the Bulldogs back into the game after being down early but didn’t have enough weapons available.

Projection: Second

Burroughs (4-3, 4-0) – Don’t look now but the Indians are in a prime spot to win the Pacific. Problem is that they still have Muir and Burbank.

BODY OF WORK: 23-26 overall record of opponents, 1-3 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: Arcadia (Southeast) 4-3

Signature Loss:

Games Remaining: 10/28 @ Crescenta Valley, 11/05 @ Muir, 11/11 vs. Burbank (12-9 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Game: Lucas Yanez – We have watched him grow in front of our eyes for three years. Two runs of 32 and 44 yards sealed the win for the Indians against Glendale.

Projection: Third

Muir (3-4, 2-2) – Mustangs went from looking lost to being scary. If they put it completely together Muir will be one team no one will want to see.

BODY OF WORK: 29-21 overall record of opponents, 1-0 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 10/29 @ Glendale, 11/05 vs. Pasadena, 11/12 vs. Pasadena (7-18 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Daityevon McFadden – Remember him? If not look at Crescenta Valley’s roster from last season when he went by Dai Dai. He scored on two long pass receptions of 47 and 75 yards in the route of Hoover.

Projection: Fourth

Pasadena (3-4, 2-2) – Four weeks ago the Bulldogs looked like a team that would be a punching bag in the Pacific. Now, Pasadena is in the midst of a playoff race.

BODY OF WORK: 21-28 overall record of opponents, 1-4 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 10/29 vs. Burbank, 11/05 vs. Hoover, 11/12 vs. Muir (9-12 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Chris Fuqua – Scored on an 80-yard run to help Pasadena defeat Crescenta Valley.

Projection: Fifth

Crescenta Valley (4-3, 2-2) – Prior to the loss of Marro Lee, the Falcons had an outside shot at winning the Pacific. Now they fight for its playoff life with a revolving door at quarterback.

BODY OF WORK: 16-33 overall record of opponents, 0-0 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 10/28 vs. Burroughs, 11/05 @ Burbank, 11/12 @ Arcadia (13-8 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Mark Sereno – With Lee out, Sereno has been left to shoulder the load. He scored on a three-yard touchdown in the loss to Pasadena.

Projection: Sixth

Glendale (0-7, 0-4) – It has been a tough year for the Nitros, but its defense has kept them in the game the first half of most games.

BODY OF WORK: 28-21 overall record of opponents, 0-5 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 10/29 vs. Muir, 11/05 @ Arcadia, 11/12 vs. Hoover (8-13 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Week: Nick Villapando – Kicker has to get love some time. His two field goals kept the game close during the first half of their loss to Burroughs.

Projection: Seventh

Hoover (1-6, 0-4) – For awhile the Tornadoes looked liked they would be able to compete with anyone in the Pacific. At least offensively that is, as the defense struggled. Now the offense has gone AWOL and the confidence is gone.

BODY OF WORK: 29-20 overall record of opponents, 1-5 against teams with winning records.

Signature Wins: None

Signature Loss: None

Games Remaining: 10/29 @ Arcadia, 11/05 vs. Pasadena, 11/12 vs. Glendale (7-14 record remaining opponents)

Player of the Game: Luke Taboyoyong – Under the radar running back who is difficult to tackle.

Projection: Eighth

Burbank RB Ulises Ochoa

Midvalleysports.com

(Glendale) – Burbank could have easily suffered from a big game-hangover after its victory over Muir last Friday night when they faced winless Glendale at Moyse Field. The Bulldogs put any worries of coming out flat to bed early as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in first quarter and cruised to a 56-8 Pacific League win.

“We didn’t overlook Glendale tonight,” said Burbank Coach Hector Valencia. “I wanted to make sure that we didn’t back off and we kept going after them tonight.”

Ulises Ochoa ran for three touchdowns and Quortney Brazier scored two times enroute to 56-0 lead before the first half ended. Ochoa in limited play ran for 67 yards and Brazier added 98 yards to lead Burbank in rushing for the evening.

Coach Valencia made sure that his team kept the foot on the pedal early in the game with an incredibly well-executed onside kick by Varaga Zeinali after the Bulldogs jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Four plays later, Steven Rivera scored from nine-yards out to increase Burbank’s lead.

Glendale’s offense took a big blow on the fourth play when Bulldog linebacker Ryan Seidler leveled quarterback Alex Yoon on an incomplete pass. Yoon didn’t return to the game. Matthew DeFrance replaced Yoon for the remainder of the game.

It didn’t get any better for the Nitros as Burbank continued to put the pressure in the first half. After Brazier ran for a score, the Bulldogs defense caused Chan Kim to fumble on the Glendale 10-yard line. Ochoa scored the second of three touchdowns with 46 seconds left from six-yards out.

Like a bad movie, it got worse for Glendale in the second half with Jose Rodriguez returning a punt 71-yards to the end zone. Brazier followed it up on the next defensive series with an interception of DeFrance to help give Burbank solid field position with 8 minutes and 36 seconds remaining in the half. The Bulldogs looked to add to its 35-0 lead before the halftime gun sounded off.

Burbank continued the onslaught with 21-points in seven minutes and 17 seconds to put the game out of reach.

The Bulldogs defense came up big in the first half limiting the Nitros to two-yards of offense and not allowing them past midfield.

With the second half featuring a running clock, the only bright spot for Glendale was when DeFrance found Linden Anderson in the corner of the end zone late in the game for an 11-yard score.

midvalleysports.com

Southeast Division Top 20

Some jumbling occurred in the Top 20 this week with three of four leagues beginning play. Bonita retains their spot at the top as West Covina gains a little ground with an impressive win over Walnut.

Norwalk drops after a loss to Mayfair and for the second straight season Muir loses a heartbreaker to Burbank. Biggest drop was Diamond Bar who was brought back to earth by Diamond Ranch.

Pasadena is out of the poll after their 37 point loss to Arcadia and welcome back California as they seem to be finding their identity at the right time.

1. Bonita (4-0) – Bearcats begin Hacienda League after a week off. Biggest question is who will get the nod at quarterback?

2. West Covina (4-1) – It doesn’t matter who handles the rock for Bulldogs as they continue to just run wild over every team.

3. Burbank (3-1) – Just another late win against Muir. Adam Colman must have ice in his veins.

4. Rowland (4-1) – Raiders win big over Los Altos and didn’t look ahead to West Covina.

5. La Serna (5-1) – No hangover for Lancers as they took care of business against Warren.

6. Muir (1-3) – Mustangs let one get away late in Pacific League opener. Must be happy that Colman is senior.

7. Diamond Ranch (2-3) – Went out and took care of business against Diamond Bar. Chase Price and Jacoby Carter are a potent one-two punch.

8. Norwalk (2-3) – Were upset by Mayfair and now the head scratching begins with how the Suburban league will play out.

9. El Rancho (3-1) – Must not take Fontana lightly and look ahead to October 15^th.

10. Crescenta Valley (3-1) – Falcons were a little flat early against Glendale in their win. Marro Lee and Zac Wilkerson hold the key to C.V. success.

11. Mayfair (2-3) – Admittedly underrated after tough non-league schedule and it pays dividends with win against Norwalk.

12. Arcadia (2-2) – Avenged loss to Pasadena last year with a huge statement that offense is firing on all cylinders.

13. Diamond Bar (4-1) – Brahmas were just out played against Diamond Ranch. Must now face offensive juggernaut Bonita.

14. La Mirada (2-3) – Playing Artesia will make any team healthy. Good start to Suburban League schedule.

15. Burroughs (1-3) – Indians are real happy they started league play after Santa Clarita tour.

16. Bellflower (4-1) – If Bucs want respect they must get by Norwalk this week to earn it.

17. Walnut (2-2) – Doesn’t get any easier for Mustangs who now face another physically imposing team in Diamond Ranch.

18. Santa Fe (1-3) – Chiefs defense has been keeping them in the game. If offense can catch up they will be dangerous.

19. California (0-4) – Maybe drinking the Peterson kool-aid as he believes they will be alright once Del Rio League begins.

20. Hoover (1-3) – Tornados need to limit turnovers as offense can threaten any defense.

By Michael Martin

(Pasadena)- In the high school football landscape, traditional powers and traditional doormats have to have a lot of games and quarters pass before perceptions about the respective programs can change. After Burbank’s final second victory Friday night the time has come, perhaps, to view the Bulldogs in a different light.

Adam Colman muscled his way into the end zone with 11 seconds remaining to give Burbank a 22-19 victory in the Pacific League opener.

The score followed Mustang quarterback Jeff Davis 5-yard run as time expired in the third quarter to give his team a 19-16 lead.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring with Ulisies Ochoa trotting in from 2-yards. Varag Zeinali added the key point after to make it 7-0 in favor of the visitors.

Davis answered back with an outstanding pass to Karl Holmes that covers 67-yards and puts the Mustangs in position to tie the game. But Jorge Castro misses the extra point and Bank still led 7-6.

With 25 seconds left in the first quarter Colman flexed his arm strength with a booming 39-yard pass to Quortney Brazier, but it was a brutal night for the kickers. The point after was missed and the Bulldogs led 13-6.

Zeinali did nail a 25-yard field goal midway through the quarter to make it 16-6.

With 2:11 to play Davis lobbed a pass 9-yards to Kevon Seymour and Muir closed to within three when Castro added the single to make it 16-13 at the half.

The sloppy play by both teams continued into the second half. Even as Davis put his team ahead at the end of the third quarter, Castro’s extra point attempt was blocked. As was the point after on Colman’s game winning score.

The Burbank victory comes just one year after its 29-28 when over Muir. Hector Valencia’s team is now 3-1, 1-0 in league. The loss was the third in a row for Muir, which is now 1-3, 0-1 in the Pacific.

Staff-

We don’t choose a second team, third team or honorable mention. There is one team and one team only. So if you’re on it, you’re special. Because of that somebody will get left out. Some of our decisions were extremely difficult but after putting our heads together, contacting coaches and compiling stats and stories here is our all Southeast Division Team.

QB: Aaron Cantu – Schurr: Put on an aerial display the entire season that saw him finish with 28 touchdowns and 2,500 yards. For the Spartans they can look forward to another year of a vertical game next season.

RB: Adam Muema – Charter Oak: What can you say about a back that would run a defense into submission for four quarters? Muema was explosive once he found daylight.

RB: Terris Jones – California: Jones was a scoring machine for the Condors. He only scored 25 of 31 rushing touchdowns the team recorded.

WR: Carlos Arredondo – Schurr: Incredible target for Cantu and the “go-to” receiver in a potent offense. Arredondo ranked 21^st in the state in receiving yards in case there is any doubt.

WR: Taylor Lagace – Arcadia: Talented sophomore receiver only led his team in receiving and scoring. In a season the Apaches would like to forget, Lagace was a very bright spot.

WR: Sam Bethany – Burbank: Sometimes numbers don’t tell the story and this is one case in point. Bethany was solid and made one of the best catches all season against Pasadena.

TE: Dakota Behr – South Hills: When the Huskies needed a play. Behr was able to provide it. Can block and has some great hands when the ball is thrown to him.

OL: Kevin Bocanegra – Charter Oak: Opened up some big holes for Muema and Golden and also protected quarterback Travis Santiago all season.

OL: Mike Williams – Burbank: The Bulldog running game averaged 281 yards a game and Williams was a big reason for that.

OL: Taylor Beyer – California: Beyer was able to give Jones enough room to maneuver his small frame for extra yardage.

OL: Albert Perez – Schurr: Perez made it easy for Cantu to get enough time to find Arredondo on several occasions. Add the fact that the Spartans had Nicholas Castillo run for 1,343 yards.

K: Tyler Hadden – California: Hadden was lethal on kickoffs with 51 of his 60 KO’s going for touchbacks. He also had 12 field goals.

Defense:

DL: Alec Griffin – South Hills: Griffin caused problems for the opposing offensive line all season with his 7.5 sacks.

DL: Mark Avila – Schurr: Avila was a tough customer on defense as he anchored a very stingy Spartan defensive unit. His eight sacks led the team.

DL: Garrett Clapper – Charter Oak: His stats may not jump out at you, but teams ran away from him most of the season. Clapper made the plays needed during the Southeast Division championship when he was called upon.

LB: Charlie Hosea – Burroughs: Hosea can flat out play. He single-handedly helped the undermanned Indians into the playoffs.

LB: Maurice Dupleasis – West Covina: Quietly amassed 89 tackles and four sacks for the Bulldogs this season. Made the big plays down the stretch that counted in key games.

LB: Keith Smith – Charter Oak: Smith helped lead the Chargers to one of the most impressive defensive performances in a season. His 132 tackles led all defensive players.

LB: Leon Youngblood – Charter Oak: Youngblood led a stellar defense with 11 sacks on the season. His three sacks against Diamond Ranch in the Championship game helped the Chargers hold the Panthers scoreless.

DB: A.J. Powell – Charter Oak: Name another lockdown defensive player in the Southeast as good as him. Not many teams dared to challenge him by throwing in Powell’s direction.

DB: Elijah Henley – Diamond Ranch: Hard-hitting safety that made key plays down the stretch to help the Panthers march to another CIF Southeast Division.

DB: Jarron Williams – Muir: Was simply an athlete who carried the Mustangs when it counted the most. Williams helped lead the way to a fantastic run into the playoffs with his gritty defense.

DB: Brandon Golden – Charter Oak: Two big interceptions in the CIF Southeast Division helped the Chargers win back to back titles. Golden also led the secondary with six interceptions.

P: Evan Highly – Bonita: The Bearcats relied on his leg through a rough season that didn’t go according to plan. Highly was able to help the defense with his nicely placed punts.

MVP: A.J. Powell – Charter Oak: All everything. Talking to most of the coaching staff, they believed that Powell was the game changer on offense and defense. The Southeast Division Championship showed all of this in every facet. Powell’s heads up play after a missed field goal gave the Chargers great field position on their opening score. He then managed to shut down Brandon Taylor and Ryan Gibson on defense. On a crucial drive in the third quarter, Powell ran the “wildcat” to perfection.

Player of The Year: Terris Jones – California: It is clear that without Jones, the Condors would have had an average season. After starting 0-2 and being held to 75 per games, California went 9-1-1 and Jones averaged 143 yards per game. His contributions on defense were not lost on the Mid Valley staff as Terris had one interception that was returned for a touchdown. He also had seven passes defended. The most notable stat for the highly touted running back was scoring 31 of the teams 46 touchdowns.

Coach of The Year: Lou Farrar – Charter Oak: Winning back to back titles when many thought it was South Hills who would dethrone the Chargers speaks for itself. Farrar is the dean of the San Gabriel Valley coaches with five CIF titles