Football: Diamond Ranch’s tough schedule could pay off

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Diamond Ranch may not be favored to take home a division title, but you have to give credit to Coach Roddy Layton for not backing down from a challenge.

For the past three years, the Panthers have played perhaps the toughest nonleague schedule of any public school team based in the San Gabriel Valley, and that honorable distinction continues Friday when they take on Bishop Amat. The Lancers, who seem to be in the midst of a football renaissance, are heavy favorites in this one, but let’s not underestimate the importance of what Diamond Ranch is trying to accomplish.

Unlike many stronger Southern California football programs, Diamond Ranch has proactively scheduled games against some of the region’s top teams. Looking beyond the win-loss record (which no one should care about in the preseason unless they’re a state division bowl contender), there are two primary benefits to playing a tough schedule.

First, every game is a learning experience no matter what the score is, and I’m sure the kids on Diamond Ranch can tell you they’ve learned a lot from playing strong squads from Muir and Oaks Christian.

Second, do you think next week’s Miramonte League showdown between Diamond Ranch and Charter Oak will come close to the amount of exposure the Panthers will get playing one of SoCal’s best in front of the television cameras? Heck no.

Sure, most of the college coaches and scouts at Friday night’s game will be there looking at Bishop Amat’s recruiting bait, but if someone on Diamond Ranch has a big game, they’ll definitely notice. Besides, the Panthers have a couple of kids who definitely can play at the next level in defensive back Brandon Sermons (10 offers, including UCLA) and lineman Graham Vickers (four offers).

The bottom line is that Diamond Ranch is taking the appropriate steps to be a league champion and establish itself as a tougher program in the years to come. Charter Oak’s ability to act like an SGV talent magnet still makes it the league title favorite, but you’ve got to believe games against three of the Southland’s top-tier teams are going pay dividends in the weeks ahead.

Oh, and here’s some highlights I found from Diamond Ranch’s 21-0 victory over defending Central Division champions Colony.

-- Austin Knoblauch

-- Image from http://www.pusd.org