Sports
Suburban League Week 6 Review; Week 7 Preview
Week 6 Review: WOW!!! Every game this weekend was a nail biter with the Norwalk vs. Glenn game coming down to the last possession. The streak is over as the Cerritos Dons have won their first game since 2007. This past weeks games where phenomenal. Anyone wanting to go see good football-and pay a reasonable price- go to a Suburban League Football game.
Week 6 Results:
La Mirada had a Bye.
Norwalk 42 John Glenn 35: The Eagles looked like every other team that has played the Lancers, they where down 28-7 at halftime behind a stellar performance from WB Adrian Gonzales. At that point, it looked like the Lancers where going to run away with yet another game. But in the second half, the Eagles made some adjustments on defense, and starting shutting down the Lancers vaunted double-wing attack. The Eagles struck first after halftime on an 80-yard TD pass from QB Jose Escobar to do-everything TB Dejon Bernard. Then, after a defensive stop, it was Bernard who threw a 40-yard TD pass to Escobar who was wide open on the play. Sandwiched in between were two TD's by TB Brandon Kelly who looked healthy for the first time in over a month. In the end, the Eagles came up just short. The Eagles were trying to tie the game as Escobar's fourth-and-two attempted completion, to a crossing Bernard, fell incomplete. A sigh of relief could be seen on the Norwalk coach's faces.
Cerritos 27 Artesia 21: The Dons walked on the field Friday night at Artesia High School and noticed it was homecoming. They decided to play the role of spoilers, as they pounded the Pioneers. They were led by TB Aaron Francis who does anything and everything that he is asked to do during the game. He took reps at QB in a Wildcat formation. He was a one-man wrecking crew as he bruised his way up and down the field. The Pioneers are just trying to stay healthy right now, as they are without the services of QB Anthony Johnson, who has a bruised thigh that is keeping him from playing. They are now led on offense by QB Montez Hunter who is trying to do his best to keep them in the game. The efforts of Earnest Randall who broke several big plays on reverses, kept Artesia close.
Suburban League Football Week 5 Recap; Week 6 Review
Suburban League Week 5
Week 5 Review: League is well under way and there were no surprises at all this past week. At this point, teams are starting to distance themselves from the rest of the pack and the league championship push has turned, in my opinion, into a three-horse race, with the Mayfair Monsoons out in front. The Matadores and the Lancers feel they have something to say about that.
Week 5 Results
Norwalk had a Bye.
Mayfair 46 John Glenn 24: The Eagles looked like they were going to end the Monsoons streak early, as they jumped out to a 10 point advantage. The Monsoons regrouped, and showed why they are the defending eight-time league champions. The Eagles bright spot was Niua Niumataevalu, the talented Junior TB/ MLB has been a punishing force on both sides of the ball. This was evident on one of his runs, as he broke several tackles and sprinted down the sideline and finally was run out of bounds after a 35 yard gain. Dominique Small for Mayfair was not to be out done as he shredded the Eagles defense for over 100 yards rushing. He leads a very talented crop of TB’s for Mayfair.
La Mirada 42 Cerritos 20: The Dons still have the losing streak going and again, they are really getting tired of the streak. And it is still lingering over their head. The Matadores came and pounded the Dons early and often. It was clear from the beginning, that this was an overmatched Cerritos team. However, the Dons have two ultra-talented under classmen on their roster. Sophomore QB Marquis Moss who is a threat to go to the house every time he touches the ball. Also, their TB Aaron Francis is a hard running junior who is the only other true threat that the Dons possess on offense; and he is a stud on defense as well. QB Daniel Poncedeleon couldn’t be outdone as he led an aerial assault against the Dons secondary; he threw for 135 yards and two TD’s and didn’t play much in the second half. He looks like the most lethally accurate QB in the Suburban League.
Suburban League Football Week 4 Recap; Week 5 Review
Suburban League Week 4
Week 4 Review: League has started and there were no surprises at all. The games were not that close, although the La Mirada vs. Glenn game looked like a slugfest-for about a half. Then the Matadores took control, although I don’t think that Glenn looked like its old self. They didn’t fold, and they played hard till the end; and I think they earned some respect from the Matadores.
Week 4 Results
Norwalk 58 Bellflower 7: This game was truly one-sided, as the visiting Lancers let their ground game steam-roll the Buccaneers. The Lancers offense looked unstoppable, as the Buccaneers defense seemed to be overmatched. The Buccaneers now try to regroup as they get ready to play 0-4 Artesia. The Lancers ground attack is one that truly has been dominating, and no one has been able to hold it in check. They are led by wingbacks Adrian Gonzales, and Billy Moore. They are steady with the hard running FB’s Adrian Cortez and Elijhaa Penny. The Lancers ride high into their bye week as they get ready for their cross town rivalry game with the Eagles of John Glenn. 
La Mirada 41 John Glenn 24: The Matadores offense had great field position in the first half and they capitalized on mistakes by John Glenn. They led 14-7 at the half, and when the third quarter started they had possession until Matt Haltom fumbled the ball. The Eagles had a golden opportunity and they didn’t capitalize on it, as they only came away with a field goal. The Matadores then reeled off 27 unanswered points. The Eagles however would not go quietly as they stormed back for 14 more points including a 95 yard pass from QB Jose Escobar to TB DJ Bernard. After the game, it could be seen that the Eagles had made too many mistakes to win, but they had earned a little respect. For Coach Wilson, who is trying to turn a team that has been in the Suburban League dungeon into a winner, this shows that he is headed in the right direction.
Suburban League Football Week 3 Recap; Week 4 Review
Editors Update: Recently, Artesia High Head Coach Aaron Craver either resigned, or was fired. Craver claims he was fired and school principal Sergio Garcia is saying Craver resigned.
Week 3 Review: Well, I was right on picking five of the seven winners from this past weekend games. I thought that the Dons of Cerritos would finally pick up a win. This was not the case. I feel really bad for those kids; a lot have been on varsity for the last three years including this year, and have only one varsity win. That is just awful.
Week 3 Results:
Norwalk 33 Paramount 8: This Game was a blow out from the start. The Lancers moved from their traditional Double Wing attack in the second half, and went to a Triple Power I formation that had 5'11'' 275 FB Davion Edwards, 6'2'' 240 FB Adrian Cortez leading the way for Elijah Penny, who is 6'2'' 245, and he showed break away speed on a 60 yard gain that took Norwalk's offense to the two yard line, before he punched in the TD. Paramount was their own worst enemy on their first drive when they committed five penalties and where forced to punt. It was downhill from there.
La Mirada 38 La Serna 17: The Matadores beat another team in the area, by trouncing the Lancers of La Serna. QB DanielPoncedeleon was lethally accurate as he picked apart the Lancers defense. Coach Moschetti has these boys playing well and they are rolling full steam ahead. Senior TE/DE R.J. Lujan made his presence felt on both sides off the ball as he had two sacks on defense and had a TD catch on offense. He has really stepped his game up while senior Keith Coty is out with a knee injury.
Glenn 55 La Quinta 14: The Eagles got back in the win column against a team that seemed over matched from the start. The defense forced four turnovers, including three INT's with Jose Escobar, Clinton Greenway, and DJ Bernard each hauling in one. D.J. Bernard was electric in this game as he had five TD's (three rushing, one receiving, and a punt return). The Eagles also debuted a new face on offense, a bruising back in MLB Niumataevalu, who seemed to enjoy punishing those that got in his way. Sophomore Vincent Watkins made the catch of the night with a defender draped all over him; he leaped over him, and made a catch right on the goal line.
Suburban League Football Week 2 Recap; Week 3 Review
Week 2 Review: Well, I was right on picking five of the six winners from this past weekend’s games. I thought the John Glenn Eagles would soar high and go 3-0 for the first time in almost two decades. Whoops! The other teams in Glenn’s district are rolling right now. This is the last week before we get into league play and all of the teams are looking to fine-tune themselves and gear up for the playoff push. I will re-examine my predictions from the beginning of the season and I will update them next week.
Week 2 Results:
Norwalk 32 Pacifica 14: The Lancers look like they have found another pair of running backs in senior Adrian Gonzales and Junior Billy Moore as both looked unstoppable in shredding the visiting Mariners defense. I look for them to continue their tear into league.
La Mirada 35 California 20: This game was a huge game for both schools, and the crowd size was evident. Cal High’s side was almost sold out and that was amazing especially for a Thursday night game. The game was a slugfest. Unfortunately for the Condors, they made the first mistake, and the Matadors capitalized by going 29 yards for a TD. QB Daniel Poncedeleon looked like a Division I QB, and the connection of him to Julian Matta works really well for them. They hooked up for an 80 yard catch-and-run for a TD.
H.H. Wilson 35 Glenn 14: The Eagles looked like a team that walked into the half with a lead and came out not knowing how to play football. The only thing more atrocious than the way they played the second half was the officiating. In this case, it had nothing to do with bad calls, but their inability to protect players. Several skirmishes broke out during the game, and not one official intervened. The bright spot for the Eagles was D.J. Bernard taking a bobbled kickoff 93 yards back for a TD. Their MLB Niumataevalu looks like a beast; he seemed to be everywhere.
Looking for Tweeters for La Mirada High School Sports
La Mirada~We have created a new Twitter account for things La Mirada High School sports (www.twitter.com/lmhighsports).
We are currently looking for parents/fans of La Mirada High School sports to join the account and send updates via their cell phone or other apparatus to all people craving LM sports! Become a sports reporter! We are looking for live-as-it-happens updates. You are already at the game, so share your info with the rest of La Mirada who will be waiting for your updates with baited breath.
Now, when people want to know the score, we can give it to them almost instantly! But, we need contributors to make this happen.
Just send an email to news@lamiradablog.com to receive password to join.
Suburban League Football Week 1 Recap; Week 2 Preview
Suburban League Week 2:
Week 1 Review: Well, I was right on picking five of the seven winners from this past weekend’s games. I thought the Matadors would put up a terrific fight and pound the Highlanders. Oops. Well someone got pounded, and it wasn’t the Highlanders. On the other hand, everyone else got hammered in league. Bellflower is still scoreless two weeks in and no points. The Norwalk Lancers are proving to be a force as they have amassed 121 points in two games. I look for a lot of teams to get back on track this week and continue their winning ways.
Week 1 Results:
Norwalk 58 Los Amigos 6: Norwalk got its double-wing attack rolling by steam-rolling the Lobos up and down the field. They have a three headed monster on offense led by senior wingback Adrian Gonzales, junior wingback Billy Moore, and senior fullback, two-way stud, Adrian Cortez.
La Habra 54 La Mirada 13: La Mirada really never got itself on a roll and instead tried to hang on for dear life. Any ideas of them becoming an area power again, right this minute, where halted by a stingy Highlanders defense. QB Daniel Poncedeleon played as well as he could, and diminutive running back Matt Haltom ran hard; but it still was not enough. They look to rebound this week against California High School of Whittier.
Glenn 38 Pioneer 3: The Eagles ground game got rolling as TB Brandon Kelly ran through, around, and over any Titan in his way. When the dust had settled, he had 25 carries for 257 yards. They also have a versatile athlete in Junior D.J. Bernard; he scored 4 different ways. He started things off by hauling in a 60-yard TD catch, and then he picked up a blocked field goal and raced 89 yards to the house, untouched. Then he jumped a route and returned it from 38 yards out. Finally he took a handoff and scored from 28 yards out and put a move on a Titan defender that would make any Madden gamer jealous.
Reality Check for La Mirada
This reporter is booted off field, even with press pass
La Mirada~Reality set in tonight as the La Mirada Matadores varsity football team took a beating in losing to one of OC's top teams, La Habra 54-13.
There were glimmers of hope however, as the Mats played respectable against an obvious powerhouse. The energy is there, and expect the Mats to improve each week.
Trying to get a glimpse of what was going on seemed to be the biggest challenge of the evening.
La Mirada Football web-site operator Matt Piazza, who has spent the last six years covering LM Basketball, just as many covering LM baseball, and had VOLUNTEERED to run the football site this season, was not allowed in and was told to by the principal to go get in line. Piazza is the ultimate La Mirada High cheerleader, and has brought more interest to LM sports, via the media, than anyone alive. Piazza has always made sure a bright, positive light shines on La Mirada ahletes in their endeavors.
By the time he waited in the long line, the game had started, and he was behind in his work for the evening.
.....more to come
Suburban League Week 0 Recap; Week 1 Preview
Suburban League Week 1:
Week 0 Review: Well I was right on picking five of the seven winners from this past weekend games. There was no shortage of close games. It started with La Mirada vs. St Paul on Friday night, and it came down to the final few minutes with the visiting Matadores prevailing. Then, to round out the first week of games, Glenn held off a furious comeback by the host Santa Ana Valley Falcons at the Santa Ana Bowl on Saturday afternoon.
Week 0 Results:
Norwalk 63 South El Monte 3: Norwalk got its double-wing attack rolling as they rolled passed South El Monte.
La Mirada 15 St. Paul 7: La Mirada suffered a few injuries, but they look to continue their charge toward another league title. Backup Shane Blood stepped in and helped lead the Mats to a huge victory; the school's first against St. Paul.
Glenn 28 Valley 26: The Eagles showed grit and determination as they fought themselves to a victory. They were led by QB Jose Escobar who looked very comfortable in the pocket, threw for 3 TDs, and added another rushing.
Montebello 14 Bellflower 0: The host Buccaneers never got themselves on track as they fell to the visiting Oilers from Montebello
Chino Hills 30 Mayfair 6: The Host Huskies could have made the lead larger if not for a few miscues during the game.
Beckman 31 Cerritos 13: Cerritos is still searching for their first win in over 12 games. They looked over-matched in this game.
Edison 36 Artesia 0: The pioneers speedy offense was neutralized by the attacking defense of the host Chargers.
Week 1 Preview:
La Mirada Pricks host Swordsmen for the First Time
Santa Fe Springs~With its two most acclaimed players sidelined by apparent serious injuries, the zebras throwing flags against it at about a 3-1 ratio and a scoreboard operator who suddenly forgot to start the clock with 29 seconds left and St. Paul out of timeouts, La Mirada survived with tons of heart in Friday evening's heartstopping victory, 15-7, over the host Swordsmen.
The triumph spoiled the return of legendary Marijon Ancich, tied for the all-time winningest high school coach in California history, and marked the biggest win for the Matadores in perhaps a decade, certainly a major hurdle in their attempt to return to prominence.
Recent posts
News Bites August 2024-Community Heroes Edition
Parents defend swimming coach amid abuse allegations
New Goodman Stadium Opens at La Mirada High School
