As high school football enters the second half of its ten-game regular season, teams are gearing up for league play. Most squads return from their bye week, ready to face significant challenges. With playoff spots on the line, predictions for the top contenders in the San Gabriel Valley leagues are critical for fans and players alike. Here are insights into twelve leagues featuring San Gabriel Valley teams, highlighting the favorites and those vying for playoff positions.
Almont League Predictions
In the Almont League, the consensus favorite is **Schurr** (2-3), despite its three losses. The team has faced a challenging schedule and has dominated league opponents in recent years. Last season, Schurr competed in Division 6, while all other league teams were in Division 10 or higher. **San Gabriel** (5-0) opens league play against Schurr and is considered the second-best team after a strong victory over **El Monte**. Expect **Alhambra** (4-1) and **Bell Gardens** (3-2) to contend for the third and fourth playoff spots.
Prediction: 1. Schurr, 2. San Gabriel, 3. Bell Gardens, 4. Alhambra
Angelus League Insights
The Angelus League presents a complex scenario. While **Cathedral** (1-4) has struggled, it remains a favorite due to expected reinforcements following the sit-out period. **Paraclete** (4-1) enters league play with a winning record and appears strong. **St. Paul** (0-5) and **St. Francis** (0-5) cannot be overlooked, as St. Paul faced a demanding schedule, while St. Francis anticipates the return of talented junior **Shawn Sanders** from injury. Predicting outcomes in this league is particularly challenging.
Prediction: 1. Cathedral, 2. Paraclete, 3. St. Paul, 4. St. Francis
Baseline League Overview
Defending champion **Damien** (5-0) has demonstrated strong performance, led by senior quarterback **Isaiah Arriaza**. The team boasts electrifying receivers and a solid running game, currently ranked No. 10 in the CIF-SS by HSratings. **Rancho Cucamonga** (1-4) poses a significant threat despite its record, with close losses against top-tier teams. Their matchup on Friday could prove decisive for the league title. **Chino Hills** (3-2) finished second last year and remains competitive, while **Etiwanda** (2-3) and **Upland** (1-4) are also in the mix.
Prediction: 1. Damien, 2. Rancho Cucamonga, 3. Chino Hills, 4. Upland
Del Rio League Forecast
In the Del Rio League, **La Serna** (3-3) is expected to maintain its champion status after a recent victory over **Edison** (23-21). **California** (3-3) shows improvement from last year, while **El Rancho** (3-2) remains a constant contender. **Whittier** (5-1) has surprised many, although it has faced an easier schedule than others. **Santa Fe** (1-5) has struggled significantly compared to last season.
Prediction: 1. La Serna, 2. El Rancho, 3. California, 4. Whittier
Epsilon League Analysis
Only **La Habra** (4-1) represents the San Gabriel Valley in the Epsilon League, but it is a strong competitor, ranked No. 3 in the area. The league is highly competitive, featuring **Crean Lutheran** (5-0) and **Huntington Beach** (4-1). **El Dorado** (3-2) and **Laguna Hills** (3-2) are vying for playoff positions, while **Foothill** (1-4) faces challenges this season.
Prediction: 1. Crean Lutheran, 2. Huntington Beach, 3. La Habra, 4. Laguna Hills
Hacienda League Predictions
The Hacienda League features a surprising turn of events. **Los Altos** (5-0) is now viewed as the favorite after a strong start against a decent schedule. **Chino** (1-4) and **Covina** (3-2) are also in contention, while **South Hills** (2-3) has not performed up to expectations. **Diamond Bar** (0-5) remains winless but is still a potential playoff contender.
Prediction: 1. Los Altos, 2. Chino, 3. Covina, 4. Diamond Bar
Montview League Outlook
**Nogales** (2-3) appears poised to take the Montview League title, with **Ontario** (3-2) as the primary challenger. The remaining teams, including **Sierra Vista** (1-4), **Wilson** (1-4), **Pomona** (0-5), and **Azusa** (0-5), are unlikely to contend for the top spots.
Prediction: 1. Nogales, 2. Ontario, 3. Wilson, 4. Sierra Vista
Miramonte League Predictions
**La Puente** (3-2) is anticipated to dominate the Miramonte League, having faced strong competition. **Bassett** (3-1-1), **Ganesha** (3-2), **Garey** (3-2), and **Duarte** (3-2) are all striving for second place behind La Puente.
Prediction: 1. La Puente, 2. Duarte, 3. Bassett, 4. Ganesha
Mission League Insights
**Bishop Amat** (3-2) is looking to improve upon last season’s struggles and has a strong chance to reach the playoffs. **Sierra Canyon** (5-0) is the clear favorite in the Mission League, while Amat has showcased resilience with wins over notable opponents. **Notre Dame** (3-2) and **Chaminade** (2-3) are also teams to watch, adding intrigue to the league standings.
Prediction: 1. Sierra Canyon, 2. Notre Dame, 3. Bishop Amat, 4. Serra
Rio Hondo League Outlook
The Rio Hondo League features two undefeated teams: **La Canada** (6-0) and **Monrovia** (5-0). However, Monrovia faces a setback with the loss of sophomore quarterback **Jesse Saucedo** due to injury, giving La Canada an edge. **San Marino** (2-4) and **South Pasadena** (2-4) will likely compete for third place.
Prediction: 1. La Canada, 2. Monrovia, 3. South Pasadena, 4. San Marino
Sierra League Insights
In the Sierra League, **Charter Oak** (4-1) aims to improve upon its second-place finish from last season. The team has demonstrated defensive strength, bolstered by quarterback **Corin Berry**, a Purdue commit. **Claremont** (5-0) has emerged as a surprise contender, while **Bonita** (2-3) remains a formidable opponent despite recent injuries.
Prediction: 1. Charter Oak, 2. Bonita, 3. Claremont, 4. Colony
Valle Vista League Expectations
The Valle Vista League offers a competitive landscape, with defending champion **Northview** (4-1) as the favorite. Yet, teams like **Baldwin Park** (4-1), **Alta Loma** (4-1), and **San Dimas** (3-2) are all making strong cases for championship contention. This league promises to be exciting as teams vie for playoff spots.
Prediction: 1. Northview, 2. Baldwin Park, 3. Alta Loma, 4. San Dimas
With the league play now underway, fans can expect thrilling matchups as teams strive for playoff positions and ultimately, league titles.
