How good will the Rams be? Who knows?

By OC Tribune Staff on September 12, 2016 • ( Leave a comment )

THE LOS ANGELES RAMS (at last) open their 2016 NFL season on TV Monday (Rams photo).

Are the Los Angeles Rams ready for prime time? We’ll find out at least part of the answer when they open their 2016 season – their first season back after being gone for over two decades – Monday night in a national telecast.

Frankly, we don’t yet know much about how good or bad the Rams might be. They were 7-9 last year in St. Louis, but lost several games by small margins. We do know they have a strong defense and a top running back in Todd Gurley, and the number-one NFL draft pick in Jared Goff of Cal.

But in the pre-season, Gurley was largely absent, appearing in just one series. Goff was less than impressive, and reportedly won’t even be activated for the game against the 49ers, the Rams’ historic rival.

Also interesting is that the guy the Rams passed over to draft Goff – Carson Wentz – had a big-time opener Sunday when he threw for two touchdowns and 278 yards as the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Cleveland Browns 27-10.

But before we all have buyers’ remorse, remember all the great sports stars – from Sandy Koufax to Johnny Unitas to Aaron Rodgers – of the past who looked like washouts early in their careers and went on to the glitter of legendary status.

It’s just an opener. A start. It’s a long road and area fans should just be happy to be on that journey once again.

Lots of interesting matchups in the prep football world this weekend. The tastiest one looks to be the contest Friday in south Orange County when Edison visits San Juan Hills in the clash of two teams who each boast 3-0 records.

But there are some other interesting matchups as well. Katella, at 3-0, would seem to be a heavy favorite Thursday over Westminster (0-2), but the Lions have played two tough opponents well. Another fun game should be the annual non-league intracity clash between Garden Grove (2-1) and Pacifica (1-2). Once rivals in the Garden Grove League, the Argonauts and Mariners tussle in clash of central Garden Grove and West Garden Grove.

Here’s this week’s schedule of high school football games for schools serving the Garden Grove-Huntington Beach-Westminster area. As always, check with the school; schedules are subject to change without notice.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 15