Big Games : Bishop Amat vs. Long Beach Poly

The moment of truth is approaching for the Bishop Amat football team. The Lancers have looked impressive in winning their first two games against Rubidoux (27-14) and L.A. Jordan (43-6) but can they beat powerful Long Beach Poly? Bishop Amat will find out when it meets the Jackrabbits (1-0) in a non-league game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Long Beach Veterans’ Stadium. With players such as tailback Leonard Russell (6-2, 215) and defensive back Eugene Burkhalter (6-2, 170), Long Beach Poly may have the most talented team in the state. Other standouts include wide receiver Alvin Warren and linebackers Mark Odom and Victor Elliot. Bishop Amat is not exactly hard-pressed for talent either, with players such as running back Eric Bieniemy, offensive lineman Richard Garrick (6-3, 270), linebacker Charles Fraley (6-2, 210) and defensive back Sean Canova. Bieniemy, who has rushed for 298 yards and five touchdowns, is within 26 yards of Pernell Taylor’s career rushing record of 3,205 yards. But Bieniemy will be tested by a big, fast Long Beach Poly defense that did not allow a point in beating Gardena 23-0 last week.

Pasadena vs. Diamond Bar

Pasadena High School Coach Gary Griffiths will never be accused of playing an easy schedule to build an impressive record. The Bulldogs, who have opened their season with strong wins over Damien (24-13) and St. Francis (24-15), face their next hurdle in a non-league game against Diamond Bar (1-0-1) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Pasadena City College. Diamond Bar, which has moved to the CIF Eastern Conference since appearing in the Southeastern Conference final the last three years, struggled to a 14-14 tie with Miraleste last week. The Brahmas have been led by running back Sean Trejo and quarterback Jim Edmonds. The defense, which will have to be in peak form to stop Pasadena’s wishbone attack, is headed by linebacker George Spada and defensive back Frank Galindo. However, Pasadena has the speed to cause big problems for any defense and the Bulldogs have an explosive one-two punch in running backs Anthony Wallace and W. C. Morrison. Wallace has rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns in only 18 carries, an explosive average of 13.7 yards a carry. The tough defense is led by lineman Willie Minor (6-5, 205) and sophomore linebacker Chris Jeter.

Arcadia vs. Temple City

After the first two weeks of the season, Arcadia certainly ranks as one of the surprise teams in the San Gabriel Valley. But the biggest surprise for the Apaches (2-0) would be a victory over Temple City (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Temple City. Not that Arcadia doesn’t have the ability to beat the Rams. But Temple City should give Arcadia its toughest test of the season. The Rams, who have defeated Arroyo (21-12) and San Gabriel (18-0), have a big, strong rushing attack led by Kevin Moore (6-0, 200) and Mike Mooney (6-2, 200) and quarterback Tim Vance--a smooth director of his team’s option attack. The defense is led by linebacker Bob Rees (6-3, 225) and back Tom Ball. Arcadia has also demonstrated a strong rushing attack in its first two wins over San Gabriel (27-12) and San Marino (20-6). The Apaches are led by running backs Chris McCarn and Brian Goodrich and quarterback Brad Scott. Among the defensive leaders for Arcadia are linebacker Scott Groves and backs Steve Provenzano and Tom Greep.

Los Altos vs. Monrovia

On the surface, this looks like a match-up between a solid passing team (Los Altos) and a good rushing team (Monrovia). But Monrovia may see a new twist from Los Altos when the teams meet in a non-league game at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Monrovia. This Los Altos team (2-0) can also run, as La Puente found out last week. The Conquerors rushed for 319 yards, including 130 from back David Crosby, as they ran past La Puente (49-7). Passing is still the forte of the Los Altos offense, though. The leader is quarterback Darren DeSpain, who has completed 25 of 35 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns. The Los Altos defense, which improved last week after struggling in its first game against La Serna (29-23), is led by linebackers Kenny Lopez and Jack Abel. Monrovia (1-1), whose slumbering offense awoke in a 40-20 win over Duarte last week, has power and speed in its backfield. The power is from 6-2, 240-pound fullback Jamal Jones and two speedsters, halfback Ervie Barnes and quarterback Anthony Craft, who directs the wishbone attack.