The blog is going on vacation for about eight days, unless I find something in my travels too tempting not to share with you.
Such as running into Pete Rose two straight years in December in a Las Vegas sports store signing autographs.
But here are a few thoughts to ponder heading into the new year:

If the Chargers make the playoffs, how can some team not hire defensive coordinator and Seaside graduate Ron Rivera as a head coach?
Passed over seven times two years ago, Rivera was promoted to coordinator halfway through the season and San Diego's defense is the reason it is even in this position.

How come when players leave Oakland, they become stars again? Kerry Collins, Randy Moss, Charles Woodson.

The league season for prep basketball heats up the first week of January.
I like Palma in the TCAL, Monterey in the MBL and Stevenson in the MTAL. Teams most likely to push for a title are Salinas in the TCAL, Pajaro Valley in the MBL and Pacific Grove in the MTAL. Your sleeper team is Alvarez.

For the girls, it's North Salinas in the TCAL, Monte Vista in the MBL and Santa Catalina in the MTAL. Lurking in the rear view mirror are Salinas in the TCAL, Monterey in the MBL and Stevenson in the MTAL. Your sleeper team is King City.

Enjoy the holidays and get ready for a prep ride that will take us into June.