Football preview: Preseason Top 10

1. UPLAND (12-2)
he defending CIF-SS Central Division champion returns just three starters from the best defense in the Inland Valley, but junior running back Donta Abron, an Alta Loma transfer, and returning quarterback Justin Nunes could help turn the Highlanders back into an offensive force.

2. CHINO HILLS (10-3)
Fifteen starters return from a team that lost a semifinal playoff game to eventual Central Division champion Upland by six points. With the electric Ifo Ekpre-Olomu at running back full time, the biggest question mark seems to be new quarterback Andrew Chavez.

3. RANCHO CUCAMONGA (10-3)
The Cougars graduated a banner 2009 class, but with a mammoth offensive line in front of veteran running back Sateki Finau and a revamped defense, Rancho Cucamonga doesn’t figure to drop off.

4. KAISER (9-4)
The Cats exited the 2009 playoffs in jarring fashion, a 41-0 semifinal loss to Palm Springs, but with nine consecutive Sunkist League titles and counting, their smashmouth style earns them respect every year.

5. LOS OSOS (9-5)
After heavy losses in 2008, the Grizzlies advanced to the first CIF championship game in school history last year. Who’s to say they won’t keep getting better?

6. DIAMOND RANCH (7-7)
The Panthers reached their second consecutive CIF-SS Southeast Division championship game last year. Perhaps with a lighter nonleague slate, they’ll have a shinier record this year.

7. SAN DIMAS (13-1)
The Saints return 14 starters from the first CIF championship team in school history. Even the loss of quarterback Shawn Kennedy won’t slow them down, thanks to transfer quarterback Cody Watts.

8. SUMMIT (6-6)
The SkyHawks have improved in every season since Summit’s inception, and this year will be no different. Kaiser finally may have a team to worry about in the Sunkist League.

9. CHAFFEY (7-5)
A field goal away from advancing to the CIF semifinals last season, Chaffey is fielding the largest offensive line that 12th-year coach Chris Brown can remember. If some skill players emerge, they’ll be a title contender.

10. COLONY (10-2)
The first year of the Matt Bechtel era will be an interesting one to watch. Success seemingly will come eventually. The question is, will it arrive this season?

Others receiving votes: Claremont (5-5), Miller (5-6), Etiwanda (8-4).

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