Getting crazy with high school football

The Citrus Belt Division
Redlands East Valley at Yucaipa
The Thunderbirds come into this showdown with an extra win in their coffers, as Rancho Verde forfeited an earlier win against Yucaipa due to an ineligible player. That's really not relevant against the Wildcats though, who are humming right now. Scott Pearne has had his team play tough against former employer REV in the past, but Polk and Co. are just too much.
REV 31, Yucaipa 14

Eisenhower at Carter
These teams come in going in two different directions, with Ike being battered by REV for its first loss and Carter taking out Redlands on the road for its first win. Expect both trends to continue, as Carter continues its rise while Ike receives a few more growing pains.
Carter 20, Eisenhower 10

Fontana at Redlands
It's October and the Terriers don't have a win. Just seems wrong. The Redlands defense is good enough to slow the Fohi rushing attack, and I think their offense will be just good enough to edge on by and end Jim Walker's annoying five-game losing streak.
Redlands 17, Fontana 12

Rialto at Miller
I like the spunk that Eric Rodriguez seems to have installed in a Rialto team that seems a bit outmanned. However, A.J. Springer and the Rebel offense has been unstoppable and will continue to be for another week.
Miller 45, Rialto 13

Before I get into the nonleague picks, I want to link an article about LeBron James and his wearing a Yankees cap in his hometown of Cleveland last night. First of all, it was a dumb PR move. Even if you like the Yankees - which is depraved, but fine - is it necessary to wear a Yanks cap in your hometown in front of a fanbase that supports you during your season? Seems like he could have been fine just cheering without the cap .

Plus, LeBron is a bandwagon jumper. He admits to liking the Cowboys and the Bulls and Florida State football, all who were at the top of their respective sports during his youth in the 1990s. That's a pretty fundamental character flaw to me. Can you really trust a guy who always has to root for the winner and doesn't have the stones to suffer and work along with a chosen team? Say it ain't so King James.

Now back to the picks.

Nonleague
Los Osos at Colton
This is the game I'm attending and it should be a doozy, as Los Osos' spread offense takes on a physical Colton team with its double-wing. Colton needs to close the deal against a high-quality team while Los Osos needs to prove it can stand up against a physical offense. Being at home, I'll take the Jackets.
Colton 29, Los Osos 21

Arroyo Valley at Moreno Valley
The Hawks kept their undefeated record, but didn't get a win either, tying Silverado 24-24. What irks me isn't that there was a tie - it was that I was one point away from getting the final score right in last week's blog (i picked 24-23 Silverado). This is a tough road test for Arroyo and will be a good indication of where they are going into SAL play next week.
Moreno Valley 32, Arroyo Valley 27

Silverado at Chino Hills
Silverado has increased its offensive production the past couple weeks, which will loom large against the Huskies. Michael Harris has been a wrecking machine at running back and Chino Hills will have a little too much for the Hawks to handle.
Chino Hills 31, Silverado 18

Bloomington at Norco
The over/under for passes thrown in this game between both teams should be set at 10.5. I'll take the under. If you like smashmouth football with prolific running games, make the trek to Norco and watch this game. It should be fun.
Norco 24, Bloomington 22

Big Bear at Riverside Notre Dame
The Bears' non-conference gauntlet takes it to Riverside, where it will face a Notre Dame team ranked among the elite in the East Valley Division. Big Bear responded nicely from seeing its winning streak ended, beating then-No. 1 San Jacinto 28-8. I think the Bears will get to two in a row.
Big Bear 27, Notre Dame 21

San Gorgonio at Apple Valley
San G, though on a 3-game losing streak, reached a season-high in points last week against Upland with 24. The Sun Devils come in with a chip on their shoulders after an upset loss to San Bernardino. However, I think Apple gets well at Newton T. Bass Stadium.
Apple Valley 27, San Gorgonio 16