By Stephen Ramirez
steve.ramirez@langnews.com
@SteveRRamirez on Twitter
The title chase for the Rio Hondo League has been a two-team race in recent seasons, and that’s not expected to change this fall.
It will again come down to Monrovia, which has won the league the previous six seasons, and San Marino, which has finished second each of the past three.
It may be time for a flip-flop. The Titans have the look of a team capable of ending the Wildcats’ recent reign. They’re armed by the return of three key offensive skilled position players, while Monrovia must replace its top two performers and welcome a new coach as Chris Stevens has replaced Ryan Maddox.
San Marino, like Monrovia, is replacing a highly-productive quarterback, but junior Carson Glazier managed to throw for nearly 700 yards while spelling Andrew Ferraco last season. Monrovia’s Asaph Zamora, who is set to replace Deshawn Potts, has looked good in the summer passing circuit and will have some speedsters to throw to, including receivers Octavius Spencer and Kahlil Bradley,
“We should be strong with our offensive skill personnel,” San Marino coach Mike Hobbie said. “To win the league, our inexperience has to develop and rise to a much higher level in a relative short time span. We obviously have some offensive weapons, but they must have the supporting players to allow us to feature them.”
The battle for third and the league’s final playoff spot will again be a three-team race between La Canada, which took the spot last season; Temple City and South Pasadena. La Canada and Temple City had new coaches in Ramsey Lambert and Rob Castaneda, respectively..
Blair also has a new coach, Rickey Pickens, who is expecting his team to be improved.
PREDICTCED ORDER OF FINISH
1. San Marino
Coach: Mike Hobbie
2013 Record: 9-3
Key returners: J.P. Shohfi, WR, Jr.; Tyler Spitzer, WR/DB, Sr.; Chip Crowley, WR, Sr.; Cole Mace, OL, Sr.; Tenny McFarland, RB, Sr.
Key newcomers: Carson Glazier, QB, Jr.; Aiden Santino, WR, Jr.; Wyatt Gabig, OL, Sr.
Bottom line: The Titans look primed to end Monrovia’s reign atop the league standings, with a strong returning nucleus. Glazier should adapt easiy to the starting role.
2. Monrovia
Coach: Chris Stevens
Record: 11-2
Key returners: Kameron Johnson, RB, Jr.; Octavius Spencer, WR, Sr.; Kahlil Bradley, WR/DB, Sr., Anthony Marquez, LB, Jr.; Christian Walton, DL, Sr.
Key newcomer: Asaph Zamora, QB, Jr.
Bottom line: The Wildcats may have lost their top-two players to graduation, but there’s still a lot of talent in the locker room. If they can fill some of those holes early, there’s no reason this team can’t win another league title and compete in the Southeast Division.
3. La Canada
Coach: Ramsey Lambert
2013 record: 5-6
Key returners: Todd Murray, TE/DE, Sr.; Anthony Connell, ATH, Sr.; Sam Brown, WR/DB, Sr.; Cal McFadden, RB/LB, Sr.; Trent Bauer, WR/DB, Sr.
Key newcomers: Jace Harrick, RB/DB, So.; David Vardanian, OL/DL, So.; Kevin McGowin, QB, Jr.
Bottom line: Spartans made a little progress last season and more is expected in 2014. They are still a bit behind the top two, but they might be the best of the rest.
4. Temple City
Coach: Robert Castaneda
2013 Record: 3-7
Key returners: Nate Salcido, RB, Sr.; Nic Starling, RB, Sr.; Nathan Ruiz, LB, Sr.; Daniel Saldivar, WR, Sr.; Kyle Floyd, TE/DE, Sr.; Miquel Deleon, OL/DL, Sr.; Eric Garcia, OL/LB, Sr.
Bottom line: Castaneda made Ribet Academy into a solid small school team and he’s expected to turn around the Rams.
5. South Pasadena
Coach: Martin Conrad
2013 record: 4-6
Key returners: Matt Ayala, RB, Sr.; Max Luck, OL/DL, Jr.; Ernesto Jerugrin, DB, Sr.; Jeremy Gabler, DB, Jr.; Christian Carter, LB, Jr.
Bottom line: The Tigers have been steady on defense in recent years, but the offense has been inconsistent. If they can solve that problem, they could be in the running for the playoffs.
6. Blair
Coach: Rickey Pickens
2013 record: 1-9
Key returners: Kyle Kinley, RB/LB, Sr.; John Page, RB/DB, Jr.; Antwone Comas, LB, So.; Noah Young, WR/DB, Jr.; Kris Woods, WR/DB, Sr.; Banner Watkins, OL/DL, Sr.; Matthew Remington, OL/DL, Jr.; Sabastian Mckimson, LB, Jr.
Bottom line: Another coaching change at Blair can’t help the Vikings. But Pickens believes being there since May can smooth the transition.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Kahlil Bradley, Monrovia, WR, Sr.
Bradley turned some heads at college training camps and he’s looked really good in summer passing leagues. He’s the key to Monrovia’s up-tempo passing game.
Tyler Spitzer, San Marino, DB, Sr.
Spitzer is a competitor on offense and defense. He was first team All-Area on defense last season, with a league-high seven interceptions. He can also turn a game on special teams as one of the area’s top returners.
BEST OF THE REST
Tenny McFarland, San Marino, RB, Sr. — Big-play potential
Cole Mace, San Marino, OL, Sr. — The league’s top returning lineman
Carson Glazier, San Marino, QB, Jr. — A double threat
Kameron Johnson, Monrovia, RB, Jr. — Keys Monrovia’s ground game
Octavius Spencer, Monrovia, WR, Sr. — Part of ‘Cats’ 1-2 punch
Christian Walton, Monrovia, LB, Sr. — First team All-Rio Hondo
Anthony Connell, La Canada, QB, Sr. — A big key for La Canada
Sam Brown, La Canada, DB, Sr. — Keyed Spartans’ run in ‘13
Nic Starling, Temple City, RB, Sr. — Consistent runner
Max Luck, South Pasadena, DL, Jr. — A force on Tigers’ line