I’ve debated whether or not I want to make predictions. Too many people take them personally. Well I am going to give it a shot. It’s nothing against anybody or any team. Since it’s the first week I have to go a lot on last year and who is coming back.
So without further adieu . . .
Chino Hills 24, Ayala 21 – Not that the Bulldogs can’t win. They’re a good team and I have them ranked No. 7 in the Inland Valley but I have Chino Hills No. 3 and it has owned its rival of late. Until they beat the Bulldogs I’ll go with the Huskies.
Barstow 34, Miller 7 – Barstow is coming off an 8-3 season while Miller was 1-9. Enough said.
Chaffey 21, Lake Elsinore-Lakeside 7 – The Tigers have Mikey Dean. Against a team that was 2-8 that is probably more than enough.
Colony 27, West Covina 21 – A tough one to call. Two ranked teams a CIF champ vs. a playoff team. I’ll go with the team that has the title and a veteran quarterback coming back.
Pomona 28, Oak Hills 21 – This could be one of the best games of the night. The Red Devils graduated some talent but have plenty of athletes so I’ll still give them the nod.
Don Lugo 34, Walnut 10 – This was lopsided last year in the Conquistadores favor. I don’t expect that to change.
Duarte 17, Diamond Bar 14 – Two teams that had miserable seasons a year ago. The Brahmas are very young so I’ll go with the Falcons in the season opener.
Claremont 27, El Rancho 24 – El Rancho clobbered the Wolfpack last year but it was senior-laden. The Wolfpack also inherited a quality quarterback which might be enough to turn the tide.
Etiwanda 21, Norco 17 – This one was a nail biter last year and should be the same again. I’ll go with the Eagles defense making enough plays against one of the top quarterbacks in the area.
Rancho Cucamonga 27, Trabuco Hills 7 – Trabuco Hills is the defending CIF champ but it graduated a ton of players and has a new coach. And it lost to the Cougars last year with that great team.
Ganesha 14, Keppel 7 – The Giants won this game 7-6 last year and they got a quality transfer that will have an impact on both side of the ball so thats gives them the slight edge.
Heritage Christian 24, Ontario Christian 14 – Ontario is under a new coach so who knows what to expect. It will start a sophomore quarterback and its the first game of the season so give the edge to Heritage.
Hesperia 21, Fontana 10 – The Scorpions are young but should have enough to beat a Fontana team that hasn’t had much to cheer about in awhile.
Carter 21, Los Osos 7 – The Grizzlies are much improved but are they improved enough to score enough points against a quality defense. Probably not.
Upland 45, Palmdale Knight 7 – Upland beat this team 70-something to nothing last year. Yes they graduated some people, but Knight still has no chance.
Ontario 17, Garey 7 – Another two teams that are struggling. The Jaguars beat the Vikings last year and Garey’s best two players transferred. So chalk one up for Ontario.
Rowland 21, Alta Loma 14 – Teams withe similar showings last year and the Braves have a new coach. Would probably pick the other way if it was a little later in the season but it isn’t so . . .
Bonita 24, Schurr 14 – Bonita beat Schurr last year pretty convincingly. That won’s change.
Diamond Ranch 17, South Hills 14 – A toss-up game and it is one that marks the debut of Panthers coach Jimmy Welker. He has played it close to the vest in divulging what he has to worth with but I’ll give it to the Panthers.
Sultana 14, Eisenhower 7 – This is a tossup between struggling teams so this is a total guess.
Calvary Murrieta 45, Western Christian 7 – Calvary cruised in this game last year and finished 8-3 on the season. Western went 2-8 and has a new coach.
Webb 28, Hamilton 10 – Webb is a team on the rise, Hamilton not so. Give it to the Gauls.
