Should you still fear the Mead? Koffler thinks so
There are only a handful of teams with a chance to win the Mid-Valley Division, Paraclete, Monrovia, San Dimas are the top tier, Baldwin Park, Arroyo, Azusa are a not-too-close second. Where does Rosemead fit in the mix?
By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
After winning the Mission Valley League title and advancing to the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division title game last season, Rosemead High School football coach Matt Koffler is feeling good about his playoff possibilities, even though the Panthers are a mere 3-5 overall and 2-1 in league. With Arroyo (6-2, 3-0) well on its way to a Mission Valley League title after sneaking past the Panthers 14-12 in the league opener, Koffler is confident that once sturdy running back Joey Diaz returns, they will be an entirely different team.
With two games left, against winless El Monte (0-8, 0-3) on Friday followed by Gabrielino (3-5, 2-1), the Panthers are hoping to double their two-game winning streak to create momentum heading into the playoffs.
That's when Diaz, who rushed for 233 yards and two touchdowns in a season-opening 23-20 victory over Covina, could return if not sooner.
Diaz suffered a slight tear in his MCL against Covina and has been out since, briefly returning for three carries against Arroyo before shutting it down to get ready for the stretch run.
"I feel good about where we are for a variety of reasons," Koffler said. "You look at who we lost to, Monrovia, Harvard-Westlake, South Hills, and we were in the game with South Hills until it got away from us late.
"Now you give me a healthy (Diaz) for the playoffs and who knows? Now you can control the clock. Now you have more options on offense. You know, if we had lost Tre Sumler for a long time last year it would have affected our record too. That's the same with Joey. When we get him back it changes the entire dynamic of our team."
With the exception of Paraclete, which defeated the Panthers 21-10 in last year's CIF-SS title game, and current No. 1 and undefeated Monrovia (8-0), Koffler says the Mid-Valley Division is wide open.
"People look at our league and say it's a down year, but I think it's a down year in the Rio Hondo League with the exception of Monrovia. It's down in the Valle Vista too. The championship still has to go through Paraclete, but I think the rest of us can knock each other off on any given night.
"Monrovia has been great, but a few weeks back they barely beat San Marino (14-12). I'm not knocking Monrovia, but a bad pass here, a turnover there, it happens. Nobody is so good that they can just pound you regardless. It's going to be an interesting playoffs, that's for sure."
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The Mead ?
What the hell is that ? Hosemead sucks, they have always sucked. They come all taped-up, looking like superstar players and turn out to be the biggest wimps, Arroyo has always ruled you and will always be the best team in the MLV. You named your football field after a looser coach, I think he got fired just after you named the field after him, by the Lions. That's right Rosemead is the perfect fit with the Lions, Panthers my ASS, maybe pussycats.
Go Knights
Hey BP,
Did BA at least give you a peck on the cheek as the raped, and pillaged your roster?
Hey Koffler, Shut your face!!!!!
Was South El Monte that good, or was Rosemead that porous...depends on who you ask.
Arroyo well on its way??? Not so fast, South El Monte will have something to say about that PROVIDED teyh get past unpredictable shaky Gabrielino at Tongva Stadium.
Whoever is #3 MVL (according to this Guru dude) ... probably faces Monrovia in R1.
From what his plot read, the draw for MVL #2 on bottom bracket looks the most playable - best chance for far advance (Covina-Azusa/Village Christian-then semifinal with probably San Dimas where it'll end).
Arroyo being the #1 MVL would see ummm, Paraclete if they get past round 1.
Koffler likes to whine to the sideline judges a lot. Observed this disturbing trend for the last couple of weeks. Sure Rosemead can get a good spot, but the playoffs are a different animal.
Referees wont be siding with you too much Koffler, your whining will only serve to teach you that Paraclete, Monrovia, and other top seeds remain that way.
Rosemead really doesn't have the same squad, and depth as they did in the previous years. Sumler brothers were the meat of this team, and since they're both gone, the only thing that needs to be "FEAR"d is losing, and losing big, and more than likely it will happen on a playoff game at home for Rosemead.
Good points...it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out in two weeks.
I think what he said is true, with the possible exception of Paraclete and maybe Monrovia there isn't a single team in that division that can't be knocked off, heck even the two mentioned can be knocked off if they don't come ready to play.
Haha...yeah, is he trying to be the Lane Kiffin of the SGV? He should really keep his mouth shut and let his system and kids do the talking on the field. Yet, this comes from the guy that took the week off leading into the champioinship last year thinking he'd just roll over Paraclete.
I mean, he really hasn't earned the right to talk about anything relevant in the mid-valley. If it weren't for a pathetic MVL, he'd probaly be 1-7 at this point.
Hey I played for Rosemead a couple of years back and I never really understand Koffler. He has one of the worst speech inpedements period, half the time you can make out what he has to say.
CYP out.
Well the rest of the Mid Valley thanks you Amat. He is a beast that we don't face anymore. Fred... the Mead with or without the RB isn't anything to be feared. Sorry Koffler.
Question???,
He is a beast. Most definately has the size and strength and a lot of raw, coachable talent. Aside from the departing senior class Koffler lost, this had to be one of the biggest hits he took. Argueably lost his best returning starter.
Question???,
He is a beast. Most definately has the size and strength and a lot of raw, coachable talent. Aside from the departing senior class Koffler lost, this had to be one of the biggest hits he took. Argueably lost his best returning starter.
BAHSLancer,
I have been to a couple of AMAT games, that #74 is an animal. If that is the same kid, that was a huge loss for the MEAD!
Oh well, want to be the best, then you have to play for the best!
Everyone is down???? Ok coach, we'll remember that one if we see you in the playoffs!!!!! Keep it up.
Question???
He transfered to Bishop Amat. He is starting at left tackle for the Lancers. He's number 74.
What are they putting in the Panthers kool-aid?
MEAD,
Where is that huge sophmore lineman we had last year? Why isn't he playing?