The match-ups in the Baseline League are pretty compelling in almost every sport. The proximity of the schools makes for natural rivalries, with the success of many programs also adding another layer of anticipation.
When we’re talking about football there is even more excitement. This could be the most interesting league chase, at least in the last decade.
It isn’t so much about the top teams. Upland (3-2) and Rancho Cucamonga (5-0) again look like the most formidable contenders. But it’s more about the progress of the middle and bottom tier teams.
Glendora, 3-7 a year ago, is off to a 5-0 start. Etiwanda (3-2) and Los Osos (3-2) look much improved, with new coaches re-energizing their respective programs.
Then there’s Alta Loma (4-1). The Braves were also optimistic last year when they went 4-1 in league play only to go 0-fer the Baseline and end up 4-6 and stretching their league losing streak to 20 games (four complete seasons). They surely want to snap that before moving into the Mt. Badly, errr, the Mt. Baldy next year.
The Braves are better no doubt, but so is everyone else.
League play begins on Thursday with Etiwanda squaring off against Rancho at their home away from home – Los Osos. More great battles to come!
