MIDSEASON REPORT: LEAGUE CAPSULES

DIVISION III

FOOTHILL LEAGUE

How They Stack Up

Hart, Saugus and Valencia have all looked fantastic in nonleague play. But Hart is an eight-time defending league champion and shows no signs of surrendering the ninth. Saugus and Valencia, each having lost once to a formidable opponent, will probably slug it out for second place in a season finale. Burroughs is running hot and cold. Burbank is improved and Canyon has trouble scoring without a passing game.

Hart: 5 0 0

Saugus: 4 1 0

Valencia: 4 1 0

Burroughs: 2 3 0

Burbank: 1 4 0

Canyon: 1 4 0

Dates to Mark

Oct. 15: Saugus vs. Hart at COC

Oct. 29: Hart vs. Valencia at Canyon

Nov. 12: Valencia at Saugus

Key Players

* Manuel White, Valencia. Eclipsed 1,000 yards in five games and is on pace to rush for 6,000 yards in his career.

* Kyle Matter, Hart. The Indians haven’t missed a beat with Matter at the controls of Indians’ high-voltage run-and-shoot offense.

* David Parker, Saugus. Has the talent, ability and receivers to finish with more passing yardage than Matter.

* Keith Jarbo, Burroughs. The play-making receiver in the Indians’ offense might be the best defensive back in the league.

Fast Fact

A Hart quarterback has earned All-Southern Section honors for 14 consecutive years.

GOLDEN LEAGUE

How They Stack Up

This is Littlerock’s league title to lose, but that is unlikely since the Lobos clearly have the toughest defense and the rest of the league has combined for a 7-18 nonleague record. Traditional contenders Antelope Valley and Palmdale won their first games last week, Lancaster has lost four in a row and Quartz Hill has been outscored, 80-6, the last two weeks. Highland may be best positioned to make a run.

Littlerock: 4 1 0

Highland: 2 3 0

Quartz Hill: 2 3 0

Palmdale: 1 4 0

Antelope Valley: 1 4 0

Lancaster: 1 4 0

Dates to Mark

Friday: Palmdale at Highland

Oct. 23: Littlerock at Highland

Nov. 12: Littlerock at Palmdale

Key Players

* Rodney Woods, Littlerock. The league’s back of the year last season has rushed for 777 yards and 10 touchdowns in four games for Littlerock.

* Paul Soto, Highland. Intimidating senior linebacker has been described as a man among boys.

* Travis Morse, Palmdale. Fleet receiver leads the league with 12 receptions and five touchdowns.

* Travis Kirk, Lancaster. In a league dominated by the run, Eagle senior lineman can dominate on both sides of the ball.

Fast Fact

Littlerock, the only school with a winning record, is favored to win its second consecutive league title but has never won a playoff game.

PACIFIC LEAGUE

How They Stack Up

Crescenta Valley might have its most balanced team in years and is the favorite. The Falcons have mammoth lines and are accumulating 365 yards per game. But can they overcome Muir’s longtime dominance? Defending league champion Arcadia is off to a slow start, but annually rallies for league play. Glendale is a darkhorse for the final playoff spot.

Crescenta Valley: 4 1 0

Muir: 4 1 0

Arcadia: 2 3 0

Glendale: 2 3 0

Pasadena: 1 4 0

Hoover: 1 4 0

Dates to Mark

Oct. 29: Arcadia vs. Muir

Nov. 5: Muir vs. Crescenta Valley

Nov. 11: Arcadia vs. Crescenta Valley

Key Players

* Scott Vossmeyer, Crescenta Valley. On pace to break Crescenta Valley’s season passing record and has had only three passes intercepted.

* Ryan Morris, Crescenta Valley. He’s the heart of a huge offensive line and one of the top recruits in the region.

Fast Fact

Crescenta Valley has lost 19 of its last 20 games to Muir. The only victory was in 1997, when the Falcons won their first league title since 1978.