As the high school football season reaches its midpoint, teams in the San Gabriel Valley are gearing up for an intense league play. Most teams are returning from their bye week, and the competition is heating up as they prepare for the crucial second half of the 10-game regular season. Below are predictions for the league standings, playoff contenders, and potential surprises as they head into this pivotal period.
Almont League Predictions
Despite a record of 2-3, Schurr is favored to dominate the Almont League. The team has faced a challenging schedule and has consistently outperformed league opponents in recent years. Notably, Schurr was a Division 6 team last season, while its competitors were in Division 10 or higher. San Gabriel, currently undefeated at 5-0, will open league play against Schurr and is expected to secure a strong second-place finish after a notable victory over El Monte. Alhambra (4-1) and Bell Gardens (3-2) are anticipated to battle for the third and fourth playoff spots.
Prediction: 1. Schurr, 2. San Gabriel, 3. Bell Gardens, 4. Alhambra
Angelus League Predictions
The Angelus League presents a complex picture. Cathedral, with a current record of 1-4, remains the consensus favorite, bolstered by the return of several key players following a sit-out period. Paraclete (4-1) enters league play with a winning record and is expected to be a strong contender. Winless teams St. Paul (0-5) and St. Francis (0-5) should not be underestimated; both have faced formidable schedules and could surprise as the season progresses.
Prediction: 1. Cathedral, 2. Paraclete, 3. St. Paul, 4. St. Francis
The Baseline League sees defending champion Damien (5-0) looking poised to retain its title. Senior quarterback Isaiah Arriaza has shown exceptional form, supported by a talented roster. Rancho Cucamonga (1-4) is a formidable opponent, having faced tough competition in previous weeks. Chino Hills (3-2) and a struggling Etiwanda (2-3) will also aim for playoff berths.
Prediction: 1. Damien, 2. Rancho Cucamonga, 3. Chino Hills, 4. Etiwanda
Del Rio League and Beyond
In the Del Rio League, La Serna (3-3) remains a strong favorite following a recent victory over Edison. Other contenders include California (3-3), El Rancho (3-2), and the surprise team of the season, Whittier (5-1), which has benefited from a relatively easy schedule. Santa Fe (1-5) has struggled significantly after a strong previous season.
Prediction: 1. La Serna, 2. El Rancho, 3. California, 4. Whittier
Within the Epsilon League, La Habra (4-1) stands out as the sole representative from the San Gabriel Valley. This league features strong competition, including Crean Lutheran (5-0) and Huntington Beach (4-1).
Prediction: 1. Crean Lutheran, 2. Huntington Beach, 3. La Habra, 4. Laguna Hills
The Hacienda League has seen a remarkable turnaround, with Los Altos (5-0) emerging as the favorite after a dominant performance earlier in the season. Chino (1-4) and Covina (3-2) are expected to contend for playoff spots, while Diamond Bar (0-5) may still find a way into the postseason.
Prediction: 1. Los Altos, 2. Chino, 3. Covina, 4. Diamond Bar
In the Montview League, Nogales (2-3) is the team to beat, but Ontario (3-2) poses a significant threat. The competition looks tough for Sierra Vista (1-4), Wilson (1-4), Pomona (0-5), and Azusa (0-5).
Prediction: 1. Nogales, 2. Ontario, 3. Wilson, 4. Sierra Vista
The Miramonte League sees La Puente (3-2) with the most experience and a challenging schedule. Bassett (3-1-1), Ganesha (3-2), Garey (3-2), and Duarte (3-2) are all vying for the second spot, but La Puente remains the favorite.
Prediction: 1. La Puente, 2. Duarte, 3. Bassett, 4. Ganesha
In the Mission League, Bishop Amat (3-2) is looking for a significant improvement from last season. Sierra Canyon (5-0) stands as the favorite, with Notre Dame (3-2) and Chaminade (2-3) closely following.
Prediction: 1. Sierra Canyon, 2. Notre Dame, 3. Bishop Amat, 4. Serra
The Rio Hondo League appears to be a contest between La Canada (6-0) and Monrovia (5-0). However, Monrovia has suffered a significant injury with sophomore quarterback Jesse Saucedo out for the season, giving La Canada a potential edge.
Prediction: 1. La Canada, 2. Monrovia, 3. South Pasadena, 4. San Marino
Lastly, the Sierra League has Charter Oak (4-1) poised to challenge Bonita (2-3), who is still a threat despite injuries. Claremont (5-0) has emerged as a surprise contender.
Prediction: 1. Charter Oak, 2. Bonita, 3. Claremont, 4. Colony
The Valle Vista League promises to be highly competitive. Northview (4-1) is the defending champion, but Baldwin Park (4-1) and Alta Loma (4-1) are not far behind, each with a valid claim to the title.
Prediction: 1. Northview, 2. Baldwin Park, 3. Alta Loma, 4. San Dimas
These predictions highlight the dynamic nature of high school football in the San Gabriel Valley. As teams enter league play, the competition will undoubtedly intensify, and surprises are likely to unfold in the coming weeks.