November 2009 Archives

Local high school girls basketball starts off with a bang with Rialto's "Jam the Gym" Classic, which will run through Saturday at RHS. Hosting the tournament is Rialto, which split the Citrus Belt League title with Redlands last year and return much of that team, namely junior guard Janae Sharpe and senior guard Diamond Smith.

Also playing in the tournament was Chino Hills, led by Sacred Heart signee Ericka Norman, San Bernardino - led by senior guard Jasmine Ray - and La Puente Bishop Amat.

Tuesday's schedule
Court 1
Ganesha vs. San Bernardino, 3 p.m.
Victor Valley vs. Kaiser, 4:30
Upland vs. Chino Hills, 6
Arroyo Valley vs. Rialto, 7:30
Court 2
Bloomington vs. Riverside North, 3:30 p.m.
Lancaster Eastside vs. Corona Roosevelt, 5
Palm Springs vs. Riverside La Sierra, 6:30

Wednesday's first-round game
Court 1
La Puente Bishop Amat vs. Fontana, 3 p.m.

Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Fame guard and general manager Jerry West will speak from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at San Bernardino High School as part of "The Power of Mentoring" program.

West will talk to parents and children from the San Bernardino, Colton and Rialto Unified School Districts. Free tickets to the event are currently available at the Carousel Mall in San Bernardino.

One more week until the season basically ends. Where has the time gone? No real changes in the top 6, and everything after them is basically colored bubbles.

1. Florida (1) - Killed Florida State in Tebow's last home game. Now on to Alabama.
2. Texas (2) - Survived a scare at Texas A&M and have a tricky matchup with Nebraska, which has a very good defense.
3. Alabama (3) - Just like Texas, survived a scare, going ahead late to beat Auburn.
4. TCU (4) - The 12-0 Horned Frogs have become the world's biggest Nebraska fans.
5. Boise State (5) - Oklahoma State loss might put Boise in the BCS.
6. Cincinnati (6) - Need to beat Pitt, have Texas lose and get some computer help. Would have helped if the Panthers hadn't lost this week.
7. Oregon (9) - Best of the two-loss crowd. Can go to the Rose Bowl with a win over Oregon State.
8. Ohio State (10) - Already has its Rose Bowl bid.
9. Penn State (12) - Upsets this week might give Nits a BCS at-large berth.
10. BYU (13) - Nice OT win over Utah puts Cougars in top 10.
11. Georgia Tech (7) - Lost to rival Georgia, but ACC title win would put them back in top 10.
12. Virginia Tech (14) - The Hokies have a copyright on 9-3 seasons it seems.
13. Iowa (15) - Pretty much ticketed for Cap One Bowl.
14. Pittsburgh (8) - Panthers can still win BCS title despite loss at West Virginia.
15. LSU (17) - Moved up bowl position by holding off Arkansas.
16. Miami (Fla) (18) - Got nice win over South Florida for nifty 9-3 record.
17. USC (19) - Yeah, the Trojans shouldn't have thrown that last touchdown. But UCLA shouldn't have called the timeout either.
18. Oregon State (20) - Can go to Rose Bowl with win over Oregon.
19. Oklahoma State (11) - Even when the Sooners struggle, Okie State can't beat them.
20. Houston (21) - In Conference USA title game. Whoopee.
21. California (23) - Win over Washington this week essential for bowl positioning.
22. Nebraska (24) - Can throw the title game into chaos with an upset victory this week.
23. Stanford (25) - The Cardinal killed Charlie Weis I think.
24. Clemson (16) - The loss to South Carolina will be forgiven with a win this week over Ga. Tech.
25. West Virginia (NR) - Mountaineers oust Pitt to move back in the rankings.

Receiving consideration: Wisconsin, Utah, Central Michigan
Dropped out: No. 22 Utah

Just got back from the fog and cold of Rim. Some pretty solid upsets tonight.

CENTRAL DIVISION
Rancho Cucamonga 28, Colton 21
Los Osos 28, Chaffey 26
Chino Hills 35, Etiwanda 14
Upland 21, Colony 17

EASTERN DIVISION
Palm Springs 33, Summit 26
Kaiser 28, Rim of the World 13
Riverside Norte Vista 36, Apple Valley 21
Serrano 3, La Quinta 0

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
St. Margaret's 35, Aquinas 0
Bishop 29, Fillmore 0
Grace Brethren 28, Oak Hills 26
Ontario Christian 28, Pasadena Maranatha 24

INLAND DIVISION
Temecula Chaparral 14, Redlands East Valley 7
Corona Centennial 52, Moreno Valley Rancho Verde 21
Norco 26, Riverside Arlington (2OT)
Vista Murrieta 33, Redlands 6

The only thing that kept me from having a perfect bracket was picking against Riverside Arlington. So all in all, not bad.

No. 1 Redlands East Valley at Temecula Chaparral
Can REV remove the Chaparral monkey from its back? That's the million-dollar question in this game, as otherwise the Wildcats would seem to be odds-on favorites to advance. But the Pumas have eliminated REV two of the last three years, something that will give them confidence to take out the top seed. However, I picked the Wildcats to persevere before and see no problems sticking with that.
Redlands East Valley 24, Chaparral 20

Corona Centennial 37, Moreno Valley Rancho Verde 28

Norco 40, Riverside Arlington 28

No. 2 Vista Murrieta at Redlands
The Terriers got their first postseason win in three years in impressive fashion, trouncing Moreno Valley Valley View. However, Vista Murrieta is a different animal altogether, as the Broncos have been extremely potent in starting 11-0. Redlands will fight and claw, but just like two weeks ago against REV, they'll be outgunned and need a perfect game to advance. I don't see it happening.
Vista Murrieta 27, Redlands 16

Whiffed on a couple of the games featuring local teams last week, so I have some explaining to do to the likes of Aquinas and Ontario Christian, respectively.

Aquinas at No. 1 San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret's
Note for next year - don't pick against Aquinas at home in the playoffs. The Falcons dusted Sierra Canyon, making me look pretty dumb. And for good reason. However, they are on the road against the defending CIF and small-school state champions. I have to pick against Aquinas again here. Sorry fellas.
St. Margaret's 27, Aquinas 13

Fillmore 34, Bishop 18

Simi Valley Grace Brethren at Oak Hills
The Bulldogs redeemed my trust last week, ekeing past No. 3 seeded Kern Valley 21-19 to continue their historic run as a first-year school. Now they get another first - their inaugural home playoff game. Oak Hills is straight rolling and I'm not a huge believer in Grace Brethren. Plus, gotta keep my sleeper alive.
Oak Hills 38, Grace Brethren 27

No. 2 Pasadena Maranatha at Ontario Christian
All of a sudden, the Knights have become a tough out. They took Aquinas to the wire in the regular season finale two weeks ago and pulled the upset against a hot Twentynine Palms team on the road in the first round last week. However, OC is at home and they have a very explosive Maranatha team to face. I see the Knights' recent run of spunk coming to an end.
Maranatha 35, Ontario Christian 21

This division messed me up quite a bit last week. Then again, with the No. 1 and No. 3 seeds being upset, I wasn't the only one who screwed up in their predictions. Hopefully I'll do a bit better this time around.

Palm Springs at Summit
Thanksgiving came six days early for Summit, as they shocked No. 1 seeded Perris Citrus Hill 48-36 last Friday, breaking Citrus Hill's 38-game winning streak in the process. I guess Summit could be ripe for a letdown, but Palm Springs whipped Summit in the first round a year ago, so the SkyHawks are looking for revenge. I'm tempted to pick them again, but I think I like Palm Springs to carry this.
Palm Springs 26, Summit 19

Kaiser at Rim of the World
This is the game I'll be at tomorrow, as the Cats and Fighting Scots get together for the third time in four years. Both teams feature dominating running games, with Kaiser depending on Anthony Brown - who is committed to USC - while Rim rides junior RB Dillon Pretzinger. Kaiser won close battles the last two times they've played and will likely do the same in this one.
Kaiser 20, Rim of the World 14

Riverside Norte Vista at Apple Valley
I saw the Sun Devils pull a 48-27 surprise over No. 3 Silverado last week, which marked Apple Valley's first first-round playoff victory in over 25 years. Norte Vista doesn't have a long history of success either, so one of these teams will be in the Cinderella role come next week. Having seen both teams at different times this season, I feel that Apple is a bit more balanced and will prevail.
Apple Valley 31, Norte Vista 23

La Quinta at Serrano
The Eastern Division opened up a ton for the No. 2-seeded Diamondbacks last week with Citrus Hill and Silverado going down hard. La Quinta is always a tough out this time of year, but I picked Serrano to win this division for a reason - they are darn good. I see the Diamondbacks being a bit too physical for the Blackhawks.
Serrano 24, La Quinta 13

First of all, I want to wish all of you out there a Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you are getting fat and happy and enjoying time with family and friends. I enjoyed the Central Division last week, going 8-for-8 in my picks last week. We'll try to stay perfect again.

No. 1 Colton at Rancho Cucamonga
A rematch of a great first-round game from last year, as the Yellowjackets almost pulled the upset against No. 1 Rancho, going up 17-7 before falling 21-17. Colton is a year older and has been reminded of that result almost every day for the past year. While the Cougars are dangerous, I like Colton to advance in what should be another great game.
Colton 28, Rancho Cucamonga 23

No. 4 Los Osos at Chaffey
The Tigers are feeling good about life, as last week's win over Hemet West Valley was their first first-round playoff win since 2005. Unfortunately, they play one of the hottest teams in the area in Los Osos. The Grizzlies scored 35 points in the first 16 minutes of their game against Arroyo Valley and have scored 177 points in the last three games. I don't think Chaffey can keep up against that fiery offense.
Los Osos 45, Chaffey 20

Etiwanda at Chino Hills
I made the Huskies my sleeper before the playoffs started and they made me look kind of smart last week, killing No. 3 seeded Wildomar Elsinore 42-13 last week. Etiwanda also was impressive, putting a 38-6 beatdown of Cajon. However, I picked Chino Hills to go to the championship game and there's no way I'm backing down from that now.
Chino Hills 28, Etiwanda 24

No. 2 Colony at Upland
Since losing to Los Osos in the opening week of the season, Colony has been on point, winning 10 games in a row. However, the Mt. Baldy League isn't exactly the Baseline League, which gave Upland quite a few tests during the season. I like the playoff experience and the defense of the Highlanders to come through with a minor "upset" at home.
Upland 17, Colony 15

For as bad as I've done in the NFL lately, I've been the opposite in college. Let's keep it up shall we?

USC (-13) over Ucla
Arizona (-3) over ARIZONA STATE
Washington State (+24.5) over WASHINGTON
Notre Dame (+10) over STANFORD
Texas (-21) over TEXAS A&M
WEST VIRGINIA (even) over Pittsburgh
AUBURN (+10) over Alabama
Utah (+7.5) over BYU
Oklahoma State (+8) over OKLAHOMA
FLORIDA (-24.5) over Florida State

Week: 6-4
Overall: 60-58-2

I really think that the Thursday games have messed up my mojo. Maybe more of them is what I need.

Green Bay (-11) over DETROIT
DALLAS (-13.5) over Oakland
DENVER (+6.5) over N.Y. Giants
HOUSTON (+3.5) over Indianapolis
CINCINNATI (-14) over Cleveland
MINNESOTA (-10.5) over Chicago
Washington (+9) over PHILADELPHIA
Miami (-3) over BUFFALO
Arizona (even) over TENNESSEE
Seattle (-3) over ST. LOUIS
ATLANTA (-11.5) over Tampa Bay
Carolina (+3) over N.Y. JETS
Jacksonville (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO
SAN DIEGO (-13.5) over Kansas City
BALTIMORE (even) over Pittsburgh
NEW ORLEANS (-3) over New England

Week: 6-10
Overall: 77-81-1

As far as longtime Victor Valley coach Leland Eudy was concerned, it was time for a change. The 56-year-old Eudy, who has been coaching in the High Desert since 1974, retired from coaching after the Jackrabbits' season-ending loss to Ridgecrest Burroughs Nov. 13.

Eudy had spent 35 years alternating between Victor Valley High School and Victor Valley College, spending 19 seasons as head coach of the Jackrabbits over three stints. Eudy started his most recent stint at VVHS in 2000, also heading the Jackrabbits from 1983-87 and 1990-93.

"It's time for a younger man with new ideas to come in here," Eudy said. "I told the players before the season that this would be my last season and wanted to keep it quiet besides that. I just came to the conclusion that this school and program needed a shot in the arm and some new ideas."

Eudy gave Victor Valley a shot in the arm in his final season. While the Jackrabbits were eliminated from the playoffs in the finale to Burroughs, but accumulated a 7-3 record and won two rivalry games -- The Bell Game over Apple Valley and The Axe against Barstow.

Eudy, who will remain at VVHS as a social studies teacher, has no regrets about leaving coaching.
"I've been blessed with a great life and have met a ton of people through coaching," Eudy said. "These past 35 years have given me lots of great memories and lots of lasting relationships. I'm lucky to have experienced as much as I have."

Plenty of schools have moved the starts of their games this week from 7:30 to 7 p.m. As someone who works with deadlines for a living, I'm cool with that.

This is what we got right now as far as games that have changed.

CENTRAL DIVISION
Colton vs. Rancho Cucamonga at Los Osos
Etiwanda at Chino Hills
Colony at Upland

EASTERN DIVISION
Palm Springs vs. Summit at Miller
Kaiser at Rim of the World
La Quinta at Serrano

No movement in the top 10 this week, but that'll change in the near future. No comments this week, because this week was boring as heck for the most part.

1. Florida (1)
2. Texas (2)
3. Alabama (3)
4. TCU (4)
5. Boise State (5)
6. Cincinnati (6)
7. Georgia Tech (7)
8. Pittsburgh (8)
9. Oregon (9)
10. Ohio State (10)
11. Oklahoma State (12)
12. Penn State (15)
13. BYU (13)
14. Virginia Tech (16)
15. Iowa (17)
16. Clemson (20)
17. LSU (11)
18. Miami (Fla) (21)
19. USC (19)
20. Oregon State (22)
21. Houston (23)
22. Utah (25)
23. California (NR)
24. Nebraska (NR)
25. Stanford (14)

Receiving consideration: Mississippi, North Carolina, Navy
Dropped out: No. 18 Wisconsin, No. 24 Rutgers

Here is where you'll be going to digest the turkey, stuffing, apple pie and shopping Friday night. A lot of these times may change to 7 p.m.

CENTRAL DIVISION
No. 1 Colton at Rancho Cucamonga, 7:30 p.m.
No. 4 Los Osos at Chaffey, 7:30 p.m.
Etiwanda at Chino Hills, 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 Colony at Upland, 7:30 p.m.

EASTERN DIVISION
Palm Springs at Summit, 7:30 p.m.
Kaiser at No. 4 Rim of the World, 7:30 p.m.
Riverside Norte Vista at Apple Valley, 7:30 p.m.
La Quinta at No. 2 Serrano, 7:30 p.m.

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
Aquinas at No. 1 San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret's, 7:30 p.m.
No. 4 Fillmore at Bishop, 7:30 p.m.
Simi Valley Grace Brethren at Oak Hills, 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 Pasadena Maranatha at Ontario Christian, 7:30 p.m.

INLAND DIVISION
No. 1 Redlands East Valley at Temecula Chaparral, 7:30 p.m.
Corona Centennial at No. 4 Moreno Valley Rancho Verde, 7:30 p.m.
No. 3 Norco at Riverside Arlington, 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 Vista Murrieta at Redlands, 7:30 p.m.

Redlands East Valley, as expected, grabbed the No. 1 seed in the Division II Southern California state volleyball playoffs when the pairings were released earlier this afternoon. The Wildcats will host San Diego Scripps Ranch at 7 p.m. Tuesday and, with a victory, will host the Bakersfield Frontier-La Canada winner on Saturday.

Bonita and Upland Christian received berths in Division III and IV, respectively, as both will be on the road Tuesday. The No. 4 Bearcats play at Pasadena Mayfield while No. 6 Upland Christian will head to Whittier Christian.

The brackets:

DIVISION II
San Diego Scripps Ranch at No. 1 Redlands East Valley
La Canada at No. 4 Bakersfield Frontier
Woodland Hills Taft at No. 3 Wildomar Elsinore
Corona del Mar at No. 2 Ramona

DIVISION III
Downey Warren at No. 1 San Diego Cathedral Catholic
No. 4 Bonita at Pasadena Mayfield
Cerritos at No. 3 Tehachapi
Valley Center at No. 2 Hacienda Heights Los Altos

DIVISION IV
Anaheim Connolly at No. 1 La Jolla Country Day
Laguna Blanca at No. 4 Visalia Central Valley Christian
Upland Christian at No. 3 Whittier Christian
No. 2 La Jolla The Bishop School at Los Angeles Foshay Learning Center

Once again, I don't have digs. But this is what I do have.

Corona del Mar
Kills: Morgan Boukather 19, Amanda Nickel 12, Hailey Senske 8,
Blocks: Claire Ham 3, Senske 2
Assists: Madison Smith 40
Aces: Nickel 2, Ham 1.

Redlands East Valley
Kills: Krista Vansant 26, Alyssa Mason 9, Johnna Fouch 6, Danielle Newcombe 6, Brianna Potter 6.
Blocks: Mason 8, Newcombe 4, Cherylain Dizon 4
Assists: Fouch 33, Kyla Oropeza 4
Aces: Fouch 3

Redlands East Valley won its third straight CIF title, closing out Corona del Mar 26-24 in the fourth game. The Sea Queens actually had game-point on REV, but three straight Krista Vansant kills sealed the match, making the Wildcats the second county girls volleyball team in history to win three straight CIF titles, joining Rim of the World - which won five straight titles from 1981-85.

I'll have final stats in a bit.

A block-kill by Hailey Senske and a hitting error by Krista Vansant has Corona del Mar within one at 22-21. The Sea Queens have fought back despite an erratic serving game that has committed five errors in this game alone.

The Sea Queens are giving REV all it can handle in game four, scoring three of the last four points to move within 20-18. We'll see if REV can close it out.

The Wildcats seem to have refound the mojo they had earlier in the game, as they are starting to pull away from the Sea Queens. Johnna Fouch had a big block-kill on Morgan Boukather while Alyssa Mason had a powerful kill right before a CDM timeout.

After CDM came out with five of the first six points, the Wildcats have scored eight of the last nine to take a 9-6 lead. Just like in game one, Brianna Potter provided a spark, with two kills and a block.

REV was never really in game 3, as Corona del Mar cruised to the 25-15 victory. REV also lost game 4 in their semifinal victory over Bishop Montgomery after taking a 2-0 lead, so it'll be interesting to see how this next one plays out.

Corona del Mar stunted REV's attack, as the Wildcats were held to 7 kills in the third game after being brutally efficient in the prior two.

Game 4 about to start.

The Sea Queens won seven points in a row after REV clawed back to tie it at 11, taking an 18-11 lead and making it look as if we are going to be here a little while longer.

The Sea Queens are playing for their CIF-SS lives and its evident in game 3, as they are up 11-7 on a REV team that's, quite frankly, used to losing game threes. REV has fallen in the third game after building a 2-0 lead in its last two matches. We'll see if the trend continues.

as REV closed out game two with a 25-17 victory. Krista Vansant ended it with a finesse bloop kill, even though she was tattooing CDM with most of her eight kills in the game. Besides that, the old cliche' "It's a team effort" is holding true for the Wildcats.

Let's see if REV can make it a short afternoon.

The Wildcats are rolling, up 17-8 on Corona del Mar in game two. It should be 18-7, but a serving error by CDM was inexplicably ruled a Sea Queen point despite everyone on press row (OK, EPJ and I) and the REV faithful having the 18-7 score. Doesn't look like it will matter.

REV is continuing the momentum it grabbed at the end of the first game, starting off game two with an 8-2 lead. Johnna Fouch is doing a great job mixing up her sets, getting Krista Vansant, Alyssa Mason and Danielle Newcombe involved on the attack.

After a slow start, the Wildcats got rolling, winning the first game over Corona del Mar 25-21. Krista Vansant had seven kills, including four in a game-ending 11-3 run. Alyssa Mason notched the last two points for REV on a block kill and a kill from an assist by Johnna Fouch, who had 11 assists in the game.

Game two about to start.

Corona del Mar is still up 17-14, but REV seems to have gotten into a bit of a groove. Brianna Potter has just delivered two consecutive kills, which might be the spark the Wildcats need.

The Sea Queens have it going on so far, taking an 11-6 lead thanks to three kills by Morgan Boukather. REV is having problems getting a set off of Corona del Mar's serves.

Just had a rousing rendition of the national anthem and we are ready to go. REV and Corona del Mar met in this Division II-AA title game last year and REV is trying to become only the second county team to win three straight CIF titles. That info is courtesy of Press-Enterprise writer and volleyball guru Eric Paul-Johnson.

Match is underway.

Figured this stuff out. For those of you who like digs, I didn't keep them. Sorry.

Los Altos

Kills: Jazmen Russell 19, Meagan Macias 15, Amanda Brown 14
Blocks: Erica Chavez 10, Russell 3, Brown 3
Assists: Chavez 25, Krystal Castellanos 5
Aces: Macias 4, Russell 3, Brown 2

Bonita

Kills: Allie LaPierre 21, Katie Kirby 11, Victoria Dennis 9
Blocks: Ashley Maxfeldt 2, Dennis 2
Assists: Maxfeldt 30, Danielle Lines 4
Aces: LaPierre 4, Kirby 2

Los Altos carried over the momentum from game 4 to win game 5 15-10. Its serving game kept Bonita off-balance throughout and eventually ruled the day.

And by the way, the girl I've been calling Brittany Fulton is Jazmen Russell. The program had their numbers confused. Thankfully I figured out out late rather than never.

REV-Corona del Mar comes up in a half-hour.

After falling down 21-20, Los Altos rallied to force a fifth game, winning 25-23 on a block-kill by middle blocker Amanda Brown. Place is getting crazy.

Bonita has stormed back from five points down to tie the game at 20 thanks to two Allie LaPierre aces. Let's see if Bonita can close this out.

After five straight points in a row by Bonita gave the Bearcats an 8-6 lead, Los Altos has battled back with four straight of its own to take the 10-8 lead. Bonita leads the match two games to one.

The internet connection had a minor stroke, so I'm a little late on this update. Bonita continued the momentum it received in the middle of game three, closing out the game 25-18 to take the 2-1 lead.

6-3 Los Altos in the early stages of game 4.

The Bearcats, down 13-5 at one point, have taken a 19-17 lead in game 3. Allie LaPierre has four kills in the game, while Danielle Lines has added two kills.

Los Altos about to serve.

The Bearcats, down 13-5 at one point, have taken a 19-17 lead in game 3. Allie LaPierre has four kills in the game, while Danielle Lines has added two kills.

Los Altos about to serve.

The Conquerors have come out of game 3 like gangbusters, scoring 9 of the first 12 points and forcing a Bonita timeout. Fulton has 2 kills, a block and an ace. Play about to resume.

The Bearcats closed out with a 5-2 run to take the second game 25-21. Allie LaPierre had a key sequence of three consecutive kills and added another one on game point for Bonita while Laura Mierke and Katie Kirby each had late kills.

LaPierre has seven kills to lead Bonita while Ashley Maxfeldt has 10 assists. Brittany Fulton leads Los Altos with 10 kills.

Game three about to start. Oh yeah, its 14-3 Ohio State at half. Boo.

Bonita came out in the second game pretty fast, taking a 12-7 lead, but a 6-2 Los Altos run has the Bearcats up one. Allie LaPierre and Victoria Dennis have two kills each in this game for Bonita, with LaPierre leading Bonita with 3 overall.

Brittany Fulton has nine kills and an ace to lead Los Altos and is serving right now.

A service ace by Meagan Macias closed out the first game, a 25-16 Los Altos victory. Amanda Brown added two aces during a key juncture that saw the conquerors score four points in a row to take a 21-13 lead.

Bonita's attack has faltered thus far, as five of their points came from Los Altos service errors. Allie LaPierre has two aces to lead the Bearcats.

Game two about to start.

Brittany Fulton has five kills to lead Los Altos right now. Bonita's struggling a bit, with Allie LaPierre's one kill, one block and one ace leading the way so far.

Just made it to Cypress College for the CIF volleyball championships. I'll be trying to do three things at once - cover two volleyball championship games (DIII-AA between Bonita and Los Altos and DII-AA between Redlands East Valley and Corona del Mar), live blog at them and still watch parts of the Michigan-Ohio State football game online.

The third is looking to be tough, as they have us in some bird's nest atop the gym where internet access is spotty. Only a few minutes away from Bonita-Los Altos.

Well, no writeups worked well last week, so I'll try it again.

UCLA (-5) over Arizona State
ARIZONA (+6) over Oregon
STANFORD (-7.5) over California
Washington State (+31) over OREGON STATE
MICHIGAN (+12) over Ohio State
Oklahoma (-6.5) over TEXAS TECH
BOSTON COLLEGE (-3.5) over North Carolina
Connecticut (+6) over NOTRE DAME
TEXAS (-27.5) over Kansas
Penn State (-3) over MICHIGAN STATE

Last week: 8-2
Overall: 54-54-2

Live from the Victorville In-N-Out, some scores. Sorry they are late - the maintenance guy at Victor Valley High School locked the press box with my computer in it, causing a 10-minute delay. Not good times.

By the way, big ups to Summit High School in pulling the shocker over Citrus Hill.

CENTRAL DIVISION
Colton 53, Don Lugo 3
Rancho Cucamonga 27, Glendora 14
Chaffey 34, Hemet West Valley 21
Los Osos 63, Arroyo Valley 35
Chino Hills 42, Wildomar Elsinore 13
Etiwanda 38, Cajon 6
Upland 30, Damien 6
Colony 21, Paloma Valley 6

EASTERN DIVISION
Summit 48, Perris Citrus Hill 36
Palm Springs 41, Barstow 0
Kaiser 55, Palm Desert 17
Rim of the World 49, San Jacinto 34
Apple Valley 48, Silverado 27
Riverside Norte Vista 36, Riverside Notre Dame 21
La Quinta 31, Ridgecrest Burroughs 28
Serrano 34, Menifee Heritage 0

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
St. Margaret's 33, Santa Paula 6
Aquinas 35, Chatsworth Sierra Canyon 12
Bishop 21, Brentwood 20
Fillmore 41, Yucca Valley 14
Oak Hills 21, Kern Valley 19
Simi Valley Grace Brethren 20, Newport Beach Sage Hill 17
Ontario Christian 14, Twentynine Palms 9
Pasadena Maranatha 59, Lebec Frazier Mountain 13

INLAND DIVISION
Redlands East Valley 41, Riverside La Sierra 13
Temecula Chaparral 36, Corona Roosevelt 33
Corona Centennial 53, Miller 20
Moreno Valley Rancho Verde 58, Temecula Great Oak 17
Norco 48, Carter 14
Riverside Arlington 28, Murrieta Valley 9
Redlands 35, Moreno Valley Valley View 7
Vista Murrieta 38, Corona Santiago 17

NORTHEAST DIVISION
Palos Verdes Peninsula Chadwick 48, Bloomington Christian 0

The transfer of girls basketball players Chloe Wells and Cassandra Mitchell to Miller from Apex (N.C.) High School was denied by the CIF earlier this week according to Miller athletic director Dwight Berry, leaving the seniors ineligible for varsity play.

"They originally approved the transfer, but someone complained and I guess they decided to re-evaluate their decision," Berry said. "We knew that we would have to file the paperwork with CIF and we figured once it was approved, everything was fine. But they found something I guess that made them change their decision."

The blow to the Miller girls basketball program, which was 0-21 last season, is huge, as Wells was a two-time all-CIF and all-Sun first-team player for the Rebels as a freshman and sophomore, leading Miller to consecutive CIF titles before moving to North Carolina last offseason. The 5-foot-7 guard signed with Duke University late last week.

Mitchell, who is living with the Wells family according to Berry, is also no slouch, as she was second behind Wells in scoring for Apex last season.

The next step in the process is for the Wells family to appeal the decision, something that it will most assuredly do. Efforts to reach the Wells family have been unsuccessful to this point.

"It's not over," Berry said. "They can appeal to a panel, to a single arbiter or take it all the way to the state office. It's in the family's hands right now - I can provide them paperwork but that's about it at this point."

This isn't a unique situation for Miller, which went through a similar situation with football player David Dash last offseason. Dash, a senior running back on the Rebels, was originally banned from varsity play for two years after transferring from Fontana High School, but was cleared to play by a court order after appealing the decision.

The Rialto Unified School District decided earlier this week not to renew the contract of Rialto High football coach Eric Rodriguez according to RUSD's Public Information Officer Syeda Jafri.

"Mr. Rodriguez was on a seasonal year-to-year contract and the prinicipal decided to take the football program in another direction," Jafri said. "Mr. Rodriguez is a valued employee and we appreciate the effort he has put out, but the decision was made to go in another direction."

Rodriguez coached the Knights for three years, accumulating a 3-27 record. Ironically, his last game - a 23-7 victory over Fontana High School this past Friday - was his first Citrus Belt League win. Attempts to reach Rodriguez for comment have been unsuccessful to this point.

As for the new coach, RUSD is accepting applications until next Wednesday according to Jafri. The applications will be evaluated after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Got an e-mail earlier today from REV athletic director Rhonda Fouch mentioning a couple more signings of REV athletes to scholarships. According to the e-mail, softball player Leanne Lopez signed with Cal State Northridge while girls basketball player Shelby Kaenel signed with Cal Baptist.

This has been the Norco-Centennial division for quite some time. However, Redlands East Valley is the No. 1 seed. Will the Wildcats be able to stop the Riverside County hammerlock?

Riverside La Sierra at No. 1 Redlands East Valley
The Wildcats start their quest for their first-ever CIF championship against a La Sierra team that's four years removed from its last playoff appearance. La Sierra doesn't seem to be much of a test for a battle-tested REV team, as I expect the Wildcats to win this game rather routinely to set up a grudge match with nemesis Chaparral.
Redlands East Valley 42, La Sierra 14

Temecula Chaparral 20, Corona Roosevelt 16

Miller at Corona Centennial
This isn't quite a state-championship caliber Centennial team, but the two-time defending CIF champions are about as tough of a matchup as Miller could have envisioned with its seeding. The Rebels have been tested, playing Redlands and Redlands East Valley tough, but I'm not sure they have the overall firepower to hang with Centennial.
Centennial 36, Miller 20

No. 4 Moreno Valley Rancho Verde 38, Temecula Greak Oak 15

Carter at No. 3 Norco
The Lions are a pretty good story, as they went from 2-8 last year to the playoffs this year. However, I doubt Carter's story had them playing Norco in the first round. Norco is always tough, but they might have their most explosive offense ever this year. I can't see this ending well for the Lions at all.
Norco 45, Carter 18

Murrieta Valley 28, Riverside Arlington 24

Moreno Valley Valley View at Redlands
The Terriers have a tough task ahead of them mentally, as they have to pick up the pieces mentally from their 37-7 loss to hated rival REV and get set for Valley View. Valley View doesn't really jump off the page at anyone with its 5-5 record and Redlands should be able to pound them with the running game enough to prevail.
Redlands 21, Valley View 13

No. 2 Vista Murrieta 35, Corona Santiago 16

QUARTERFINALS
Redlands East Valley over Chaparral
Centennial over Rancho Verde
Norco over Murrieta Valley
Vista Murrieta over Redlands

SEMIFINALS
Redlands East Valley over Centennial
Norco over Vista Murrieta

CHAMPIONSHIP
Norco over Redlands East Valley

St. Margaret's ruled this division with an iron fist last year, taking out 40% of the De Anza League en route to the division and, eventually, the small-school state title. Can anyone take them out this time around?

No. 1 St. Margaret's 38, Santa Paula 6

Chatsworth Sierra Canyon at Aquinas
This is basically a coinflip, as Sierra Canyon was second in the Alpha League with an 8-2 record while Aquinas won its third straight Christian League title in thrilling fashion over Ontario Christian. It's been a bit of an up-and-down ride for the Falcons thus far this season and I'm not quite sure if they'll be able to outfight Sierra Canyon.
Sierra Canyon 27, Aquinas 20

Los Angeles Brentwood 31, Bishop 14

Yucca Valley at No. 4 Fillmore
Yucca Valley doesn't have a pretty record, but it does have another berth in the East Valley playoffs. The Trojans opened some eyes in the playoffs a year ago, winning their first-round game and giving St. Margaret's a struggle in the second round, but I have a hard time seeing them repeating that trick this year.
Fillmore 33, Yucca Valley 13

Oak Hills at No. 3 Kern Valley
Oak Hills isn't your typical first-year program - or your typical at-large freelance cannon fodder squad. The Bulldogs are 8-2 and have some pretty big wins, so they won't be intimidated by a 9-1 Kern Valley squad. And quite frankly, I think Oak Hills is too young to realize that it shouldn't be doing this well. I smell an "upset".
Oak Hills 38, Kern Valley 27

Newport Beach Sage Hill 23, Simi Valley Grace Brethren 21

Ontario Christian at Twentynine Palms
How quickly can the Knights recover from their heartbreaking loss to Aquinas? That's the million-dollar question for Ontario Christian, as Twentynine Palms has been a Christian League-killer over the past few seasons. The Wildcats are surging, winning six in a row and went to the finals a year ago. I don't see Ontario Christian doing well here.
Twentynine Palms 34, Ontario Christian 13

No. 2 Pasadena Maranatha 40, Lebec Frazier Mountain 7

QUARTERFINALS
St. Margaret's over Sierra Canyon
Brentwood over Fillmore
Oak Hills over Sage Hill
Maranatha over Twentynine Palms

SEMIFINALS
St. Margaret's over Brentwood
Maranatha over Oak Hills

Championship
St. Margaret's over Maranatha

Now to the Eastern Division, which sees Citrus Hill as the bully that's won 38 games in a row. They have to be due right? Guess we'll see.

Summit at No. 1 Perris Citrus Hill
The SkyHawks ramped up their nonleague schedule so they'd be prepared for playoff action after being disposed of rather easily by Palm Springs in the first round last year. However, it's hard to believe that their schedule has properly prepared them for the juggernaut which is Citrus Hill. Deontae Cooper will get his and Summit will have it take it.
Citrus Hill 45, Summit 17

Barstow at Palm Springs
The Aztecs pulled off the upset of the then-No. 3 seeded Cardinals on the way to the CIF title game last year and Palm Springs will be looking for revenge. But looking for it and getting it are completely different things. Barstow's offense is one of the hardest in the area to prepare for and even harder to stop in practice. Going with the Aztecs to force a rematch of last year's title game.
Barstow 28, Palm Springs 17

Palm Desert at Kaiser
I've actually gotten a chance to see Palm Desert in action and they can score at a pretty high clip. However, they were overpowered by Silverado when I saw them and seem like a finesse squad. Finesse squads do about as well with Kaiser as I do wooing supermodels. Look for the Cats to punch Palm Desert in the mouth quite a few times.
Kaiser 26, Palm Desert 13

San Jacinto at No. 4 Rim of the World
A dangerous game for the Fighting Scots, as San Jacinto always has talent and athleticism and is capable of putting up some big point totals. Whether they are capable of stopping the Rim rushing attack, namely junior RB Dillon Pretzinger, is the million-dollar question. Only one has so far and I don't think No. 2 will come this week.
Rim of the World 28, San Jacinto 22

Apple Valley at No. 3 Silverado
This is where I'll be tomorrow night, as the Sun Devils will try to ride RB Daryon Mosley and play keep away from the Silverado offense. That hasn't been the best strategy, as the Silverado D has steadily improved throughout the Hawks' 8-game winning streak. I think the Hawks have a few too many weapons.
Silverado 31, Apple Valley 18

Riverside Norte Vista 30, Riverside Notre Dame 20
La Quinta 27, Ridgecrest Burroughs 16

Menifee Heritage at No. 2 Serrano
The Diamondbacks have won seven in a row coming in. The Patriots have lost three in a row and four of five. In Snowline Stadium with the temperature falling and the fans at full-throat, I see no reason why either trend would reverse. Serrano wins in a romp.
Serrano 34, Heritage 10

QUARTERFINALS
Citrus Hill over Barstow
Kaiser over Rim of the World
Silverado over Norte Vista
Serrano over La Quinta

SEMIFINALS
Citrus Hill over Kaiser
Serrano over Silverado

CHAMPIONSHIP
Serrano over Citrus Hill

Just like last year, I'll break down by high school playoff picks by division every week. And just like a year ago, I'll give my predictions on the whole division in this entry. Will my predictions by worth anything? It's hard to tell, especially in a division as spastic as the Central.

Don Lugo at No. 1 Colton
This game was a mercy-killing when it was played in this round two years ago, as the Yellowjackets ran up, down and over Don Lugo. To be honest, I'm expecting more of the same this time around. This is a better Colton team than what Don Lugo faced two years ago and I'll be surprised if the Conquistadores stop them from scoring before the fourth quarter.
Colton 48, Don Lugo 7

Rancho Cucamonga at Glendora
Apparently Greg Watson is supposed to play for the Cougars after being knocked out of the Etiwanda game last week, which is welcome news for Rancho in its defense of its crown. Glendora is a tough team and will be a test, but having Watson running the Cougar offense seals the deal for me.
Rancho Cucamonga 28, Glendora 20

Chaffey at Hemet West Valley
Last year West Valley was the No. 3 seed until Glendora beat it down in the first round. I think West Valley is ripe for another upset, as Chaffey running back Ronald Douglas has 2,150 yards rushing and has been unstoppable lately. Chaffey went a bit tougher than usual in its nonleague schedule this year and that will pay dividends here.
Chaffey 24, West Valley 18

Arroyo Valley at No. 4 Los Osos
Arroyo Valley, while much improved over a year ago, has had a brutal time against quality competition, as it was dispatched in routine fashion by Silverado, Colton and Cajon. Los Osos has been unconscious the last four weeks since being shutout by Upland and has too much firepower for the Hawks.
Los Osos 38, Arroyo Valley 21

Chino Hills at No. 3 Wildomar Elsinore
If I'm Elsinore, I'm pretty ticked right now. In earning the No. 3 seed, you should be able to avoid teams like Chino Hills, which was the co-champion of the Sierra League and got a No. 3 seed due to coin flips. The Huskies are physical on defense and have an offense that's capable of gaining yards in a multitude of ways. Needless to say, I'm pulling the trigger on an upset.
Chino Hills 21, Elsinore 17

Cajon at Etiwanda
I covered this game last year and I must say, it was one of the more frenetic and enjoyable games I've covered at the Sun. The rematch won't quite be that way, as Cajon has employed a power-running game to eat the clock the last two weeks. That will be effective for a while against the Eagles, but ultimately, Angel Santiago and company will be too much.
Etiwanda 30, Cajon 17

Upland at Damien
If Elsinore is pissed, Damien is having a nuclear meltdown about this matchup. After winning four straight games to win a Sierra League co-championship and get the league's No. 1 seed, the Spartans get an 8-2 at-large team in Upland. The Highlander D, so lethal in the first two-thirds of the season, has become easier to move against, but the Upland O has also improved. Sorry Damien.
Upland 26, Damien 19

Menifee Paloma Valley at No. 2 Colony
The Titans are the best team no one is talking about, as the Titans have won nine in a row since losing their opener to Los Osos. There are questions as to the overall quality of Colony's schedule, but that won't matter against Paloma Valley. Colony has way too much talent to be truly threatened here.
Colony 34, Paloma Valley 14

QUARTERFINALS
Colton over Rancho Cucamonga
Los Osos over Chaffey
Chino Hills over Etiwanda
Upland over Colony

SEMIFINALS
Colton over Los Osos
Chino Hills over Upland

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Colton over Chino Hills

Bad week last week, as I'm at .500 for the first time since really early in the season. Time to turn this back up.

Carolina (-3) over MIAMI
DETROIT (-3.5) over Cleveland
Buffalo (+8.5) over JACKSONVILLE
Pittsburgh (-10) over KANSAS CITY
BALTIMORE (+1) over Indianapolis
Atlanta (+6.5) over N.Y. GIANTS
GREEN BAY (-6.5) over San Francisco
MINNESOTA (-10.5) over Seattle
DALLAS (-11) over Washington
TAMPA BAY (+11) over New Orleans
Arizona (-9.5) over ST. LOUIS
N.Y. Jets (+10.5) over NEW ENGLAND
Cincinnati (+9.5) over OAKLAND
San Diego (no line) over DENVER
Philadelphia (-3) over CHICAGO
Tennessee (+4.5) over HOUSTON

Week: 5-10
Overall: 71-71-1

Redlands defensive end Jordan Thomas verbally committed to San Diego State this past weekend, according to Rivals.com. The 6-foot-1, 240-pounder, a three-star prospect according to Rivals, chose the Aztecs over San Jose State.

Thomas joins Colony cornerback Jered Bell, who verbally committed to Colorado last week after paying a visit to the campus in Boulder, Colo., on Nov. 6, according to Colony head football coach Anthony Rice. Bell was drawing interest from Colorado State, among others, but Colorado made his only scholarship offer.

This week also saw Los Osos forward Khalil Kelley sign with University of Pacific. The 6-foot-7 power forward averaged 9.3 points and 7.3 rebounds last season in helping the Grizzlies to a second-place finish in the Baseline League.

One season after making it to the CIF-SS Division VI-A championship game, Packinghouse Christian has decided not to field a girls basketball team for the upcoming season.
With five players having graduated from last year's squad and a sixth out with a torn knee ligament, the Bears were reduced to three players, which necessitated the cancellation of the season.

"It's a very sad thing," Packinghouse Christian athletic director Paul Verhoeven said. "You never want to have to take that kind of step, but we also owed it to our opponents and the tournaments we were scheduled to play in to have a decision in the appropriate amount of time."

The Bears went around campus looking for players to fill the spots before making the decision to cancel last week. The boys team, which consists of six players, will play this season.

"One of the great things about a small school is the ability to jump right in and be able to play," Verhoeven said. "It's too bad more students didn't take advantage of the opportunity."

A little break from the high school hoopla. Stanford is the big mover, as you would expect after it killed USC.

1. Florida (1) - Another week, another ho-hum win. It's almost as if the Gators are playing bored until the SEC title game.
2. Texas (3) - Longhorns are playing really well right now and I feel like finally rewarding them for that.
3. Alabama (2) - They drop, but it doesn't matter. They'll prove their worth one way or another against Florida in a few weeks.
4. TCU (4) - Absolutely destroyed Utah and might be just as good as the big three.
5. Boise State (5) - Killed in-state rival Idaho. Big whoop.
6. Cincinnati (6) - Had to scratch and claw a bit, but remained undefeated by beating West Virginia.
7. Georgia Tech (7) - Clinched a berth in the ACC title game by beating Duke.
8. Pittsburgh (8) - Held off Notre Dame to move to 9-1.
9. Oregon (9) - All of a sudden, the Ducks' loss to Stanford last week doesn't look so bad.
10. Ohio State (13) - Buckeyes wrap up trip to Rose Bowl with overtime win over Iowa.
11. LSU (14) - Sleepwalked through their victory against Louisiana Tech.
12. Oklahoma State (17) - Profitted by much of the lower half of the Top 20 losing.
13. BYU (18) - See Oklahoma State. Likely overranked at this position, but not a lot of options.
14. Stanford (NR) - Cardinal shoot from unranked to the Top 15 thanks to the 34-point beatdown of USC.
15. Penn State (20) - Nittany Lions might sneak into BCS if they beat Michigan State this week.
16. Virginia Tech (21) - Hokies break out a bit against Maryland.
17. Iowa (16) - Hawkeyes stay stable with tough OT loss at Ohio State.
18. Wisconsin (22) - Badgers stomp Michigan to move into top 20.
19. USC (10) - To be honest, I thought of putting the Trojans lower. But they have some good victories that keep them afloat for now.
20. Clemson (23) - Tigers are quietly on a five-game winning streak right now.
21. Miami (Fla) (12) - Hurricanes get bounced by old coach Butch Davis and North Carolina.
22. Oregon State (25) - Beavers could be sleeper in cluttered Rose Bowl race.
23. Houston (11) - Cougars barely hanging on to their ranking after losing to Central Florida.
24. Rutgers (NR) - 31-0 shutout of South Florida gives Scarlet Knights 7 wins in 8 games.
25. Utah (15) - Utes tumble after being destroyed by TCU.

Receiving consideration: Arizona, Nebraska, Navy
Dropped out: No. 19 Arizona, No. 24 South Florida

Before I release the rankings, I have to admit that I had no idea how to rank the four Baseline League teams. They have alternately beaten and lost to each other and the two that were unranked last week turned out to be the co-champions of the league after last week's results.

I couldn't not rank them, nor could I not rank Rancho Cucamonga and Upland. So after hemming and hawing, I decided to rank them in the 5-8 spots in the order that they finished in league play. So my apologies to Kaiser and Rim of the World for dropping out of the polls through no fault of their own. Guess I have to make this a top 12 next year.

1. Redlands East Valley (10-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. No. 10 Redlands, 37-7. Up next: Friday vs. Riverside La Sierra (6-4)

2. Colton (9-1)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Pacific, 79-0. Up next: Friday vs. Don Lugo (5-5)

3. Colony (9-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Montclair, 39-13. Up next: Friday vs. Menifee Paloma Valley (6-4).

4. Serrano (8-2)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Sultana, 50-12. Up next: Friday vs. Menifee Heritage (5-5)

5. Los Osos (6-4)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 56-10. Up next: Friday vs. Arroyo Valley (7-3).

6. Etiwanda (7-3)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. No. 7 Rancho Cucamonga, 27-24 (OT). Up next: Friday vs. Cajon (7-3).

7. Rancho Cucamonga (8-2)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to No. 6 Etiwanda, 27-24 (OT). Up next: Friday at Glendora (7-3).

8. Upland (8-2)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Claremont, 30-20. Up next: Friday at Damien (5-5).

9. Silverado (8-2)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Apple Valley (5-5).

10. Redlands (8-2)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: lost to No. 1 Redlands East Valley, 37-7. Up next: Friday vs. Moreno Valley Valley View (5-5).

Just missed the cut: Kaiser (7-3), Rim of the World (9-1), Chino Hills (8-2), Cajon (7-3).

Dropped out: No. 8 Kaiser (7-3), No. 10 Rim of the World (9-1)

The fourth and final goes to the smallest division, the East Valley. I'll be honest, I haven't had a chance to see these teams play, so there will be some more speculation in here than normal. I'm sure you guys can handle it.

The matchups:

Santa Paula (6-4) at No. 1 St. Margaret's (9-1)
Sierra Canyon (8-2) at Aquinas (6-3)
Bishop (5-4) at Brentwood (8-2)
Yucca Valley (3-7) at No. 4 Fillmore (7-3)
Oak Hills (8-2) at No. 3 Kern Valley (9-1)
Grace Brethren (5-5) at Sage Hill (7-3)
Ontario Christian (4-6) at Twentynine Palms (6-4)
Frazier Mountain (7-3) at No. 2 Pasadena Maranatha (8-2)

My initial impression is that St. Margaret's should have this division on tilt. They rolled to a CIF and state title a year ago and have a good draw to do the same thing. Aquinas could give them a test in round two, but the Falcons haven't done so well against the upper-level teams in the division, losing to teams like Oak Hills and Twentynine Palms. I see St. Margaret's rolling until the final.

I also see Oak Hills being a bracket buster. Being a brand-new school without a league, the Bulldogs weren't given much slack by the selection committee, having to face No. 9 Kern Valley. But Oak Hills has sparkled all year and has proven it can play with playoff-caliber teams, already having defeated Aquinas and Laguna Beach this year. Oak Hills has one of the more talented squads in this bracket - it's whether it can overcome its youth that will tell the tale.

I also like Twentynine Palms in the bottom half of the bracket. The Wildcats made it to the championship game last year and have won six straight games after starting out 0-4 against a nonleague schedule made of primarily larger schools. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Twentynine Palms took out Maranatha in the second round.

Next up is the Eastern Division, which saw very little surprise in the awarding the top 3 seeds to Perris Citrus Hill, Serrano and Silverado, respectively. It got a little nutty after that though.

The matchups:

Summit (5-5) at No. 1 Perris Citrus Hill (10-0)
Barstow (7-3) at Palm Springs (7-2)
Palm Desert (7-3) at Kaiser (7-3)
San Jacinto (7-3) at No. 4 Rim of the World (9-1)
Apple Valley (5-5) at No. 3 Silverado (8-2)
Riverside Notre Dame (8-2) at Riverside Norte Vista (9-1)
Ridgecrest Burroughs (5-5) at La Quinta (7-3)
Menifee Heritage (5-5) at No. 2 Serrano (8-2)

My initial impression is surprised that Rim of the World got the final seed. While the Fighting Scots have an impressive record, their nonleague record wasn't as ambitious as teams like Kaiser or La Quinta, who were seeded below the Scots. Rim's seeding had a chain effect, putting La Quinta in the same quarterfinal bracket as No. 2 seed Serrano. Serrano coach Ray Maholchic wasn't too happy about the prospect of seeing the Desert Valley League champions that early. As for Kaiser, it will have a chance to prove it's case against Rim in the second round, provided it can get by a tough Palm Desert team in round one.

I also think that the top half of the bracket is loaded. You have the defending CIF champions in Citrus Hill, you have the CIF runner-ups in Barstow, which would have two rematch games if it beats Palm Springs in round one. You have Kaiser, Rim, Palm Desert - all teams capable of making long runs. Meanwhile, the bottom half of the bracket seems more negotiable. I like Silverado's draw a lot, as they should be able to take Apple Valley and will have a talent advantage over the Norte Vista-Notre Dame winner.

As far as a sleeper, I like Kaiser. In watching Citrus Hill's semifinal and championship wins last year, the Hawks had issues with Serrano and Barstow coming right at them physically. While it's possible that Citrus Hill has become more hard-nosed, there isn't a team in this draw that's as good at mixing it up as much as Kaiser is. I see Kaiser being able to overpower its first-round and quarterfinal opponents and having a puncher's chance against Citrus Hill.

Next we'll head to the Inland Division, as I woke up nice and early to drive down to Santiago High School for the unveiling of the bracket. It's not smart to party in Santa Monica on a Saturday night when you have to be in Corona Sunday morning. Just letting you guys know in case you are tempted to do that in the future.

The bracket:

Riverside La Sierra (6-4) at No. 1 Redlands East Valley (10-0)
Corona Roosevelt (8-2) at Temecula Chaparral (7-3)
Miller (5-5) at Corona Centennial (8-2)
Temecula Great Oak (6-4) at No. 4 Moreno Valley Rancho Verde (10-0)
Carter (5-5) at No. 3 Norco (9-1)
Murrieta Valley (6-4) at Riverside Arlington (9-1)
Moreno Valley Valley View (5-5) at Redlands (8-2)
Corona Santiago (5-5) at No. 2 Vista Murrieta (10-0)

My initial impression was that for a No. 1 seed, Redlands East Valley wasn't done any favors. While La Sierra should be a routine win for the Wildcats, despite being the alma mater of former Sun sports writer Dennis Pope, REV very easily could collide with a Chaparral team that has eliminated the Wildcats two of the last three years, including a 20-0 drubbing a year ago. Of course, REV is better and the Pumas lost quite a bit from last year's team, but seeing the Chaparral uniform has to create some skittish moments for REV fans. Oh yeah, REV might get defending state champion Centennial in the semis as well.

I also feel bad for Miller and Carter, especially Carter. The Lions had a gutty 5-5 season this year, winning in Yucaipa Friday to grab the final seed for the CBL in the playoffs. So as a reward, Carter gets Norco - one of the baddest kids on the block. I see Carter getting a few touchdowns, but losing 55-20 or something like that because it wouldn't be able to stop Norco. As for Miller, it gets Corona Centennial in the first round. Yeah, that's going to hurt.

As for a sleeper, when you have a division where the top four seeds have a combined one loss and a No. 5 seed that is the two-time defending division champion and defending state champion, sleepers are hard to come by. If I had to pick one, it would be Arlington, and not because its the alma mater of assistant sports editor Brian Goff. The Lions are red-hot, as they've scored 48 or more points the last four games. If they play Norco in the second round, they might have the firepower to hang around for a while. However, Arlington's first-round game with Murrieta Valley is no cakewalk.

After getting the brackets and deciphering them a bit, I'm going to break them down a bit. I'll start with the Central Division, which was basically put on tilt due to the craziness of the Baseline League. Here are the games.

Don Lugo (5-5) at No. 1 Colton (9-1)
Rancho Cucamonga (8-2) at Glendora (7-3)
Chaffey (6-4) at Hemet West Valley (6-4)
Arroyo Valley (7-3) at No. 4 Los Osos (6-4)
Chino Hills (8-2) at No. 3 Elsinore (8-2)
Cajon (7-3) at Etiwanda (7-3)
Upland (8-2) at Damien (5-5)
Paloma Valley (6-4) at No. 2 Colony (9-1)

A couple things stand out to me. First of all, the Sierra League got screwed the most from the Baseline League jumble. Damien, which won the coin flip for the No. 1 seed in the Sierra League, gets stuck with an at-large team in Upland that was ranked No. 1 in the division as recently as three weeks ago. Glendora, another one of the Sierra League tri-champions, gets stuck with Rancho Cucamonga - the No. 3 seed out of the Baseline and the defending division champions - in round one.

However, the third Sierra team, Chino Hills, could emerge as the sleeper in the division. The Huskies were made the No. 3 seed due to coin flips and play at No. 3 Elsinore, but the Huskies have the talent to make a run. Should they get past Elsinore, they'll have a winnable second-round game against the Cajon-Etiwanda winner and get either Colony, Upland and Damien should they get past that. While Colony dealt Chino Hills one of its two losses, I think Chino Hills could do well in a rematch. Beware of the Huskies.

Another thing I noticed are rematches, either scheduled or highly likely. Cajon and Etiwanda lock horns again this year in a rematch of their thrilling first-round game at Cajon a year ago that was won 28-27 by the Cowboys. Also looming is a second-round matchup between Rancho and the No. 1 seed in the division, Colton. They met last year in the first round with Rancho as the first seed, as the Cougars had to come back from a 10-point second-half deficit to grab a 21-17 victory in their toughest test en route to the CIF title. You know that Colton is thirsting for revenge.

Apple Valley 17, Hesperia 14
Aquinas 24, Ontario Christian 20
Barstow 24, Granite Hills 13
Big Bear 37, Desert Hot Springs 24
Cajon 34, Arroyo Valley 19
Carter 28, Yucaipa 7
Chaffey 42, Ontario 21
Chino Hills 42, Diamond Bar 14
Colony 39, Montclair 13
Colton 79, Pacific 0
Damien 55, Chino 0
Don Lugo 42, Garey 28
Etiwanda 27, Rancho Cucamonga 24 (OT)
Glendora 34, Ayala 20
Kaiser 65, Jurupa Valley 0
Los Osos 56, Alta Loma 10
Miller 52, Eisenhower 12
Redlands East Valley 37, Redlands 7
Rialto 23, Fontana 7
Ridgecrest Burroughs 49, Victor Valley 20
Riverside Norte Vista 46, Bloomington 18
San Bernardino 22, San Gorgonio 19
Serrano 50, Sultana 12
Summit 35, Riverside Patriot 12
Upland 30, Claremont 20

In honor of going 3-7 last week, I'm just sticking to the picks and not doing any flowery writeups. They don't seem to be helping too much.

Stanford (+10.5) over USC
Ucla (-17.5) over WASHINGTON STATE
CALIFORNIA (-3) over Arizona
OREGON (-18) over Arizona State
Washington (+13) over OREGON STATE
CINCINNATI (-9.5) over West Virginia
Iowa (+16.5) over OHIO STATE
Notre Dame (+7) over PITTSBURGH
SOUTH CAROLINA (+17.5) over Florida
OKLAHOMA STATE (-4.5) over Texas Tech

Last week: 3-7
Overall: 46-52-2

A three-loss week is a good way to go into the finale. With some of these games starting in 90 minutes or less, time to man up and make some picks.

Redlands East Valley at Redlands
This isn't until tomorrow, but a crosstown rivalry between the No. 1 and No. 5 teams in the area, who are both undefeated in league going into the league finale, is going to get top billing. That's the way it is. REV has never won three in a row against the Terriers and Dodge Field should be rocking for the first-ever on-campus meeting between the two. However, I think REV has too many weapons.
Redlands East Valley 24, Redlands 17

Etiwanda at Rancho Cucamonga
The battle of teams upset by Los Osos (guess it's disingenuous to call them upsets now) should be a high-scoring doozy, as both of these teams can score from any point of the field. Of course, I said the same thing before Upland and Rancho played in the regular-season finale last year, only to see a 13-2 game in gale-force winds. Barring a hurricane, this should be fun.
Rancho Cucamonga 41, Etiwanda 32

Ayala at Glendora
Ayala has lost two in a row, with a third loss in a row likely sealing a playoff-less fate. Glendora has the capability of rising up, as its already defeated Chino Hills this season. Ayala hasn't fared well against quality competition, which the Tartans certainly are. I'm taking Glendora.
Glendora 23, Ayala 14

Riverside Patriot at Summit
This is the game I'll be at in less than 90 minutes, as for the second straight year Summit has a live-or-die Thursday night game. They made a spirited comeback to beat Bloomington in this spot next year, but shouldn't need one this time around. Summit finishes the job.
Summit 31, Patriot 20

Granite Hills at Barstow
One of two live-or-die Desert Sky League games, as the Aztecs are faced with being shut out of the playoffs a year after going to the CIF final if they lose to Granite Hills, which has already won more games this season than any other time in school history. Even though Barstow's previous three losses have come at home, I'm going with the Aztecs in this spot.
Barstow 26, Granite Hills 21

Ridgecrest Burroughs at Victor Valley
The other DSL elimination game has the resurgent Jackrabbits, fresh off a one-point victory at Barstow, playing the battle-tested Burros. This has been a year of big steps for Victor Valley, which has taken down rivals Apple Valley and Barstow. Add 'making the playoffs' to those steps.
Victor Valley 24, Ridgecrest Burroughs 19

Ontario Christian at Aquinas
For the 8th straight year, this game is going to decide the Christian League title. Both of these teams have had their share of ups and downs to get to this point, but all is good in the Christian League world apparently. It's been good for the Falcons in this matchup the last two years and I think it will be again, as Aquinas has too many weapons for the Knights.
Aquinas 35, Ontario Christian 17

Garey at Don Lugo
The Vikings have had quite a resurgence and have the horses to come in and upset Don Lugo, which boasts two elite players in DT George Uko and DB/RB Steven Bethley. Garey has some players, but I have a feeling that they'll have to wait a year for their turn.
Don Lugo 27, Garey 17

Apple Valley at Hesperia
League play has been rocky for both of these schools, but things have fallen to where winning this game will make things a heck of a lot more enjoyable for one of the two. Apple Valley has just missed the playoffs the last two years and should finish the job this time around.
Apple Valley 34, Hesperia 16

Cajon at Arroyo Valley
Seems weird to have an SAL game this far down on the list, but there's no league championship or playoff invitation being settled in this matchup - just second and third place. However, this will be a fun game to watch, as junior QBs Thomas Carter (Cajon) and Michael Yearwood (Arroyo Valley) should star. I'll go with the Cowboys in a close one.
Cajon 30, Arroyo Valley 27

Other games of note:

Los Osos 45, Alta Loma 6
Upland 23, Claremont 10
Miller 53, Eisenhower 20
Yucaipa 37, Carter 34
Fontana 28, Rialto 14
Big Bear 20, Desert Hot Springs 16
Yucca Valley 24, Desert Mirage 13
Serrano 48, Sultana 0
Colony 45, Montclair 7
Chaffey 38, Ontario 0
Colton 60, Pacific 0
San Gorgonio 48, San Bernardino 31
Chino Hills 41, Diamond Bar 10
Damien 37, Chino 6
Kaiser 51, Jurupa Valley 0
Norte Vista 34, Bloomington 14
Arrowhead Christian 20, Boron 18
Oak Hills 55, Citrus Valley 6

Week: 25-3
Overall: 226-58

After almost having my brain explode while typing the Sierra League breakdown, I can chill a bit on this one, as tonight's game between Patriot and Summit is the only one that matters.

1. Kaiser (6-3, 4-0): Clinched the No. 1 seed out of the league no matter how it does tomorrow by virtue of its head-to-head tiebreaker advantage over Norte Vista.

2. Norte Vista (8-1, 3-1): Clinched the No. 2 seed out of the league no matter how it does tomorrow, as it loses the tiebreaker to Kaiser and owns the tiebreaker over both Patriot and Summit.

3. Summit (4-5, 2-2): Clinches the No. 3 playoff spot with a win tonight over Patriot. Eliminated with a loss.

4. Patriot (4-5, 2-2): Clinches the No. 3 playoff spot with a win tonight over Summit. Eliminated with a loss.

5. Bloomington (3-6, 1-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

6. Jurupa Valley (0-9, 0-4): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

A couple we missed in today's paper - and in the blog until now - that we are catching up with include Hesperia softball player Kelsey Byrd, who signed with George Mason, and Rancho Cucamonga gymnast Jordan Williams, who inked with Arizona.

Here's the list we have. Once again, let me know who else we've missed, if any:

This is what we got so far. Like I said, let us know who we are missing.

BASEBALL
Brian Derryberry, Yucaipa - UC Riverside
Scott Frazier, Upland - Pepperdine
Jack Heildman, Claremont - San Diego
Jake Hernandez, Los Osos - USC
Kyle McNutt, Redlands East Valley - UNLV
Griffin Murphy, Redlands East Valley - San Diego
Wyatt Padgett, Yucaipa - BYU
Austin Reed, Rancho Cucamonga - San Diego State
Ernesto Zaragosa, Kaiser - San Diego State

BOYS BASKETBALL
Derek Brown, Chino Hills - San Jose State
J.J. O'Brien, Alta Loma - Utah

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Jasmine Bernard, Etiwanda - UC Irvine
Maiya Michel, Summit - Denver
Ericka Norman, Chino Hills - Sacred Heart
Adrianne Thomas, Summit - Arizona State
Chloe Wells, Miller - Duke

GYMNASTICS
Henrietta Green, Cajon - Iowa State
Jordan Williams, Rancho Cucamonga - Arizona

SOFTBALL
Kelsey Byrd, Hesperia - George Mason
Samantha Dodd, Miller - DePaul
Sarah Free, Claremont - Holy Cross
Jessica Garcia, Redlands - San Jose State
Stevie Goldstein, Aquinas - Loyola Marymount
Jessica Hall, Ayala - UCLA
Erin Jones-Wesley, Los Osos - Long Beach State
Whitney Jones, Upland - Washington
Amy Nece, Redlands East Valley - North Carolina
Alyssia Palomino, Kaiser - Auburn
Natalee Pulver, Etiwanda - Marshall
Talee Snow, Chino Hills - UCLA
Bre'jae Washington, Cajon - Texas

VOLLEYBALL
Delainey Aigner-Swesey, Serrano - Long Beach State
Johnna Fouch, Redlands East Valley - San Diego State

GIRLS WATER POLO
Chelsea Parks, Los Osos - Long Beach State

Now to a pretty complicated one. Lots of ins and outs and what-have-yous in the Sierra, especially when you factor in a possible at-large berth.

1) Chino Hills (7-2, 3-1): Clinches a playoff spot with a victory tomorrow against Diamond Bar. Will clinch the No. 1 seed with a win and losses by Glendora and Damien, or a win and a Glendora loss, as the Huskies own the head-to-head tiebreaker with Damien. Would get the No. 2 seed with a win, a Damien loss and a Glendora win, as Glendora owns the head-to-head tiebreaker with Chino Hills. If Chino Hills, Glendora and Damien all win, a three-way flip for seeding ensues, as each team is 1-1 against the others.
Now, if Chino Hills was shocked by Diamond Bar, hilarity could ensue. A Chino Hills loss and wins by Glendora and Damien would put the Huskies in the No. 3 spot. A loss and a Damien loss would put the Huskies No. 2 by virtue of their tiebreaker over Damien. A loss and a Glendora loss to Ayala would create a three-way tie for third and a coinflip would be held to determine the two spots, as each team would be 1-1 against the other two. A loss by Chino Hills, Damien and Glendora would create a four-way tie for first. In this situation, Chino Hills would get first, as its 2-1 record against the other three teams would be equal to Damien's and head of the 1-2 mark for Glendora and Ayala. At that point, Chino Hills would win the head-to-head tiebreaker against Damien for the No. 1 seed.
So basically, the only way Chino Hills doesn't get an automatic spot is a loss, a Glendora loss and a Damien win. That being said, the Huskies would have a great chance at the at-large against Etiwanda or Claremont. Not so much against Upland though.

2) Glendora (6-3, 3-1): Clinches a playoff spot with a victory tonight over Ayala. Clinches the No. 1 seed with a win, a Damien loss and a Chino Hills win by virtue of owning the head-to-head with Chino Hills. Clinches the No. 2 seed with a win, a Damien win and a Chino Hills loss by virtue of Damien holding the head-to-head tiebreaker over Glendora. A win by all three teams will cause a three-way flip for seeding, as they all would be 1-1 against the others.
A loss to Ayala would throw things in flux. A loss coupled with wins by Damien and Chino Hills would leave Ayala and Glendora tied for third, with Ayala getting the seed by virtue of its head-to-head win. A loss coupled with a Damien loss would also leave the Tartans out, as Damien would be 2-0 against the other two teams, Ayala would be 1-1 and Glendora 0-2. A loss coupled with a Chino Hills loss would cause a three-way flip for two spots, as Chino Hills, Glendora and Ayala would have 1-1 records against the other two. A loss by all three would cause a four-way tie for first and Glendora would be left out, as Chino Hills and Damien would grab the two two spots by virtue of their 2-1 records against the other three, leaving Glendora and Ayala head-to-head for the third spot, which Glendora would lose.
Basically, Glendora needs to win. There's only one loss scenario that can get them in the playoffs, and they'd lose out in the at-large debate to everyone in the Baseline League except possibly Claremont.

3) Damien (4-5, 3-1): Has already clinched a playoff spot. Clinches the No. 1 seed with a win, a Glendora win and a Chino Hills loss, as it owns the tiebreaker over Glendora. Clinches the No. 2 seed with a win, a Chino Hills win and a Glendora loss, as Chino Hills owns the tiebreaker over the Spartans. A win by all three would cause a three-way flip for seeding, as each team has a 1-1 record against the other two.
A loss to Chino only matters because it would eliminate any possibility of the Spartans getting the top seed. A loss coupled with wins by Glendora and Chino Hills would tie Damien with Ayala for third, giving the Spartans the No. 3 seed by virtue of owning the tiebreaker against Ayala. A loss and a Chino Hills loss would make Damien the No. 3 seed as well, as Damien loses the tiebreaker to Chino Hills. A loss plus a Glendora loss would put Damien, Glendora and Ayala in a three-way tie for second, with Damien getting the No. 2 seed because of a 2-0 record against the other two. A loss by Damien, Chino Hills and Glendora would cause a four-way tie for first. Damien and Chino Hills would separate as the top two seeds thanks to their 2-1 records against the other three, with Damien getting the No. 2 seed due to Chino Hills holding the tiebreaker.

4) Ayala (6-3, 2-2): Basically Ayala clinches a playoff spot with a win over Glendora in every scenario but one. That scenario would be a win coupled with a Damien win and a Chino Hills loss, which would cause a three-way flip between Chino Hills, Glendora and Ayala for the last two spots, as each team is 1-1 against the others. A win and wins by Chino Hills and Damien puts the Bulldogs tied with third with Glendora, giving them the No. 3 seed by virtue of the win over Glendora. A win, a Chino Hills win and a Damien loss would put Ayala in the No. 3 spot as well, as Damien would win the tiebreaker for the No. 2 spot by virtue of wins against the other two, while Ayala would beat out Glendora in the head-to-head tiebreaker.
A loss and Ayala is left hoping for an at-large. And unless Claremont is the eligible at-large from the Baseline League, the Bulldogs will not get the extra spot.

5) Diamond Bar (1-8, 1-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

6) Chino (0-9, 0-4): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

With Thursday games starting this week and lasting the rest of the season, I'm moving up my NFL picks. Just in case you were having a "What the hell?" moment.

SAN FRANCISCO (-3.5) over Chicago
N.Y. JETS (-7) over Jacksonville
Denver (-3.5) over WASHINGTON
Cincinnati (+7) over PITTSBURGH
Buffalo (+6.5) over TENNESSEE
MINNESOTA (-16.5) over Detroit
New Orleans (-14) over ST. LOUIS
Atlanta (-1.5) over CAROLINA
Tampa Bay (+10) over MIAMI
OAKLAND (-2) over Kansas City
Seattle (+9) over ARIZONA
Philadelphia (+1.5) over SAN DIEGO
Dallas (-3) over GREEN BAY
INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over New England
Baltimore (-10.5) over CLEVELAND

Week: 7-6
Overall: 66-61-1

With several games going on tonight, I have to hustle some of this stuff out. So I'll give you the SAL, which is another easy one.

1) Colton (8-1, 4-0): The Yellowjackets have clinched the No. 1 seed out of the SAL regardless of what it does against Pacific tomorrow by virtue of owning the head-to-head tiebreaker with both Cajon and Arroyo Valley. A win likely wraps up the No. 1 seed in the Central Division for Colton though.

2) Arroyo Valley (7-2, 3-1): Wraps up the No. 2 seed with a win over Cajon tomorrow no matter what Colton does, as the Yellowjackets own the head-to-head tiebreaker. A loss to Cajon drops the Hawks to the No. 3 seed.

3) Cajon (6-3, 3-1): Wraps up the No. 2 seed with a win over Arroyo Valley tomorrow no matter what Colton does, as the Yellowjackets own the head-to-head tiebreaker. A loss to Arroyo Valley drops the Cowboys to the No. 3 seed.

4) San Gorgonio (2-7, 1-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

5) San Bernardino (2-7, 1-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

6) Pacific (1-8, 0-4): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

Because the MRL was so easy, I thought I'd write this before getting some sleep. Also helps that its not excessively complicated, as there's only one game that really matters this week.

1) Colony (8-1, 4-0): Has clinched the No. 1 seed out of the Mt. Baldy League regardless of what it does tonight against Montclair by virtue of winning the head-to-head tiebreaker with Chaffey.

2) Chaffey (5-4, 3-1): Has clinched the No. 2 seed out of the Mt. Baldy League regardless of what it does tonight against Ontario because it loses the head-to-head tiebreaker to Colony and owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Don Lugo-Garey winner.

3) Don Lugo (5-4, 2-2): Would clinch the No. 3 seed out of the league with a win over Garey tonight because it loses the head-to-head tiebreaker with Chaffey if the Tigers lose. A loss would eliminate the Conquistadores, as there's no chance of the Mt. Baldy League getting the at-large bid.

4) Garey (4-5, 2-2): The Vikings would clinch the No. 3 seed out of the league with a win over Don Lugo tonight because they lose the head-to-head tiebreaker to Chaffey if the Tigers lose. A loss would eliminate Garey from playoff consideration using the same logic that was used for Don Lugo above.

5) Montclair (3-6, 1-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

6) Ontario (1-8, 0-4): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

This is one of the more simple breakdowns I have. Which is probably why I'm doing it at 4 in the morning.

1) Serrano (7-2, 3-0): Has clinched the No. 1 seed in the Mojave River League. Even a loss to Sultana Friday wouldn't change that, as the Diamondbacks own the head-to-head tiebreaker with Rim of the World.

2) Rim of the World (9-1, 3-1): Has clinched the No. 2 seed in the Mojave River League.

3) Apple Valley (4-5, 1-2): Earns a playoff berth and the No. 3 seed out of the MRL with a win over Hesperia Friday. Eliminated from consideration with a loss.

4) Hesperia (3-6, 1-2): Earns a playoff berth and the No. 3 seed out of the MRL with a win over Apple Valley Friday. Eliminated from consideration with a loss.

5) Sultana (0-9, 0-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

This is the only league where everyone has clinched or controls their own destiny. That makes for a simple theme to the DSL - win and you are in, lose and you go home. So for all intents and purposes, the playoffs have already begun.

1) Silverado (8-2, 4-0): Has clinched the league championship and the No. 1 seed out of the league.

2) Victor Valley (7-2, 1-2): To be honest, 2-5 are virtually interchangeble. If the Jackrabbits defeat Burroughs Friday, they are in the playoffs. If they lose, they are out, as there is no at-large berth available in the Eastern Division. Victor Valley will be the No. 2 seed if it wins and Barstow beats Granite Hills, as the Jackrabbits hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Aztecs. If Granite Hills wins along with Victor Valley, the Jackrabbits get the No. 3 seed, as Granite Hills owns the tiebreaker over Victor Valley.

3) Barstow (6-3, 1-2): The Aztecs, last year's Eastern Division runner-up, has to beat Granite Hills to earn a playoff spot. As I explained before, the Aztecs will get the No. 3 seed with a win and a Victor Valley win, as the Jackrabbits own the tiebreaker. However, if Burroughs and Barstow win, Barstow gets the No. 2 seed, as it owns the tiebreaker with the Burros.

4) Granite Hills (6-3, 1-2): The Cougars already have the best win total in school history and a win over Barstow would give them a playoff berth as well. They own the head-to-head tiebreaker with Victor Valley, so they would get the No. 2 seed with a win and a Jackrabbit win. If Burroughs wins, Granite Hills drops down to the No. 3 seed, as the Burros own the head-to-head tiebreaker over Granite Hills.

5) Ridgecrest Burroughs (4-5, 1-2): With a win, the Burros make the playoffs for the third straight year. A win and a Granite Hills win puts Burros in the No. 2 seed by virtue of head-to-head tiebreaker, while a win and a Barstow win has them in the No. 3 slot for the very same reason.

This one is pretty much all subjective, as the top two spots in the De Anza League are sealed up, leaving Big Bear, Desert Hot Springs and a freelance upstart to fight for bids.

1) Twentynine Palms (6-4, 4-0): The Wildcats clinched the De Anza League championship and top seed with a victory over Big Bear Saturday.

2) Yucca Valley (2-7, 2-1): The Trojans have clinched the No. 2 spot in the De Anza League, as they own head-to-head tiebreakers over Big Bear and Desert Hot Springs.

3) Big Bear (3-6, 1-2): Have to defeat Desert Hot Springs Friday to have any shot at an at-large bid, as the Bears lose the head-to-head tiebreaker in event of a win and a Yucca Valley loss. Even then, 4-6 might not be good enough to get in.

4) Desert Hot Springs (3-6, 1-2): The Golden Eagles are in the same exact boat as Big Bear, as they need to win to have any shot at an at-large bid. And it still may not be enough.

5) Desert Mirage (3-6, 0-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

And the two freelance teams, which are eligible for the East Valley playoff if I'm not mistaken.

1) Oak Hills (7-2) - I really can't see any way the Bulldogs don't make the postseason. Not only do they have a lot of wins, but they have quality wins over teams like Aquinas and Laguna Beach. Can't imagine a scenario where they wouldn't be able to play in the playoffs.

2) Citrus Valley (2-7) - Eliminated from playoff consideration.

This league is pretty easy, as the top two teams are playing for No. 1 and there are two teams playing for No. 4.

1) Redlands East Valley (9-0, 6-0): Receives the CBL's No. 1 seed - and likely the No. 1 seed in the Inland Division - with a victory over Redlands Friday. Gets the No. 2 seed in a loss.

2) Redlands (8-1, 6-0): Receives the CBL's No. 1 seed with a win over Redlands East Valley and the No. 2 seed with a loss. Will likely get a first-round home playoff game either way.

3) Miller (4-5, 4-2): Clinched the No. 3 seed in the CBL no matter what it does thanks to a head-to-head tiebreaker advantage over the Carter-Yucaipa winner.

4) Yucaipa (5-4, 3-3): Clinches the No. 4 seed out of the CBL with a win over Carter Friday. Likely eliminated with a loss, as the at-large bit is expected to come out of the Southwestern League.

5) Carter (4-5, 3-3): Clinches the No. 4 seed out of the CBL with a win over Yucaipa Friday. 99% eliminated with a loss.

6) Fontana (3-6, 1-5): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

7) Eisenhower (1-8, 1-5): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

8) Rialto (0-9, 0-6): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

Just got a call from Redlands East Valley athletic director Rhonda Fouch notifying me of three REV athletes signing during the early signing period. Volleyball player Johnna Fouch will sign with San Diego State Friday at 7 p.m. in the REV ASB room, while softball player Amy Nece will sign with North Carolina early next week, as will baseball player Griffin Murphy with San Diego. Nece is going on an official visit to North Carolina this upcoming weekend according to Fouch.

Arrowhead Christian's football team was able to find a replacement for its forfeited game with La Verne Lutheran this week, as it'll host Boron at 7 p.m. at Arrowhead Christian High School. It's not a pushover matchup, as Boron comes in with a 7-2 record after clinching the Desert Mountain League championship this past week.

This league was definitely bizarre during the regular season, as La Verne Lutheran's decision to forfeit its schedule three weeks into the season threw a curveball into the proceedings, as the Christian League will only have two automatic bids.

1) Aquinas (5-3, 2-0): It's pretty simple for the Falcons. If they beat Ontario Christian this week, they win their third straight league title and get the No. 1 seed out of the league in the East Valley playoffs. If they lose, they are the No. 2 seed.

2) Ontario Christian (4-5, 2-0): Copy and paste what I typed for Aquinas, subbing out Falcons for Knights and Ontario Christian for Aquinas.

3) Arrowhead Christian (5-4, 1-2): There's no chance of the Eagles, who have a bye this week because of the La Verne Lutheran forfeit, of getting an automatic playoff spot. But ACA, which was ranked as high as No. 4 in the CIF standings this year, should be in good position for one of the four at-large spots in the East Valley Division.

4) Western Christian (1-7, 0-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

5) La Verne Lutheran: Apparently eliminated from playing at all.

It's that time of year again. With high school football down to its last week, its time to get my math skills in order and break down the playoff fortunes of each team in each league of the county. We'll start with the Baseline League because a) it might be the best league top to bottom and b) its first in alphabetical order.

1) Los Osos (5-4, 3-1): The equation is simple for the Grizzlies - beat Alta Loma Friday and grab the league's No. 1 seed. The Grizzlies own head-to-head tiebreakers over the teams that it is tied with (Rancho Cucamonga and Etiwanda), so no matter who wins that battle, Los Osos will finish ahead of them. However, if Alta Loma pulls the shocker, everything could be chaotic. If Los Osos loses and Upland loses to Claremont, the Grizzlies would get the No. 2 seed over the Rancho-Etiwanda loser. If Los Osos loses and Upland wins, there would be a three-way coin flip between the Grizzlies, Upland and the Rancho-Etiwanda loser for two spots, as each team is 1-1 against the other two. If Los Osos loses that flip, it would have to sweat, as its 5-5 record might not be good enough to hold off Glendora or Ayala from the Sierra League for the at-large berth in the Central Division.
That being said, Los Osos isn't losing to 0-9 Alta Loma.

2) Rancho Cucamonga (8-1, 3-1): A win over Etiwanda wraps up at least the No. 2 seed in the Baseline League. If Los Osos wins, Rancho is No. 2, as it lost to the Grizzlies head-to-head. If Los Osos loses, Rancho would grab the top seed with a win. If Rancho loses to Etiwanda, a whole bunch of things could occur. A Rancho loss coupled with a Los Osos win and an Upland win would have the Cougars in the No. 3 slot, as they'd win the head-to-head tiebreaker with Upland. They'd also get the No. 3 seed if Los Osos and Upland lost, as they'd lose the tiebreaker to Los Osos for second. A Los Osos loss and Upland win would cause a three-way coin flip for two spots. If Rancho lost that flip, it would be snatched up as the at-large in less than a second.

3) Etiwanda (6-3, 3-1): A win over Rancho wraps up at least the No. 2 seed in the Baseline League. If Los Osos wins, Etiwanda is No. 2, as it lost to the Grizzlies head-to-head. If Los Osos loses, Etiwanda would grab the top seed with a win. If Etiwanda loses to Rancho, a whole bunch of things could occur. An Etiwanda loss coupled with a Los Osos win and an Upland win would have the Eagles in the No. 3 slot, as they'd win the head-to-head tiebreaker with Upland. They'd also get the No. 3 seed if Los Osos and Upland lost, as they'd lose the tiebreaker to Los Osos for second. A Los Osos loss and Upland win would cause a three-way coin flip for two spots. If Etiwanda lost that flip, it would almost assuredly be picked as the at-large.
And yes, I did copy and paste the Rancho writeup and just switch some words around.

4) Upland (7-2, 2-2): It's amazing that Upland, the No. 1 team in the Central Division two weeks ago, could be forced out of the playoffs. But a loss to Claremont Friday eliminates the Highlanders, as Claremont would jump Upland in consideration for the at-large berth. A win over Claremont pretty much guarantees at least an at-large berth for the Highlanders, as an 8-2 team with wins over Serrano, Miller and Los Osos isn't staying home. Upland can finish as high as second if Los Osos loses, as it would be in a three-way coin flip with the Grizzlies and the Rancho-Etiwanda loser. A Los Osos win would put a victorious Upland in fourth, as it would lose the head-to-head tiebreakers to the Rancho-Etiwanda loser.

5) Claremont (5-4, 1-3): The Wolfpack still have some hope. It's pretty simple - they need to beat Upland and hope that they are selected for the at-large berth over either Glendora or Ayala. It'd be about a 50/50 shot for Claremont, as a win over Upland would give its resume a huge boost. A loss eliminates them from playoff consideration.

6) Alta Loma (0-9, 0-4): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

This is what we got so far. Like I said, let us know who we are missing.

BASEBALL
Brian Derryberry, Yucaipa - UC Riverside
Scott Frazier, Upland - Pepperdine
Jack Heildman, Claremont - San Diego
Jake Hernandez, Los Osos - USC
Griffin Murphy, Redlands East Valley - San Diego
Wyatt Padgett, Yucaipa - BYU
Austin Reed, Rancho Cucamonga - San Diego State
Ernesto Zaragosa, Kaiser - San Diego State

BOYS BASKETBALL
Derek Brown, Chino Hills - San Jose State
J.J. O'Brien, Alta Loma - Utah

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Jasmine Bernard, Etiwanda - UC Irvine
Maiya Michel, Summit - Denver
Ericka Norman, Chino Hills - Sacred Heart
Adrianne Thomas, Summit - Arizona State
Chloe Wells, Miller - Duke

GYMNASTICS
Henrietta Green, Cajon - Iowa State

SOFTBALL
Samantha Dodd, Miller - DePaul
Sarah Free, Claremont - Holy Cross
Jessica Garcia, Redlands - San Jose State
Stevie Goldstein, Aquinas - Loyola Marymount
Jessica Hall, Ayala - UCLA
Erin Jones-Wesley, Los Osos - Long Beach State
Whitney Jones, Upland - Washington
Amy Nece, Redlands East Valley - North Carolina
Alyssia Palomino, Kaiser - Auburn
Natalee Pulver, Etiwanda - Marshall
Talee Snow, Chino Hills - UCLA
Bre'jae Washington, Cajon - Texas

VOLLEYBALL
Delainey Aigner-Swesey, Serrano - Long Beach State
Johnna Fouch, Redlands East Valley - San Diego State

GIRLS WATER POLO
Chelsea Parks, Los Osos - Long Beach State

Its not a Fall Signing Period without some input from the Yucaipa baseball team, which will have two players signing this week. First baseman Wyatt Padgett will sign with BYU while outfielder Brian Derryberry will sign with UC Riverside at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, according to a voicemail I received from YHS athletic director Mark Anderson.

Any other coaches, athletic directors or parents who have athletes signing with Division I schools this week should e-mail me at tj.berka@inlandnewspapers.com or comment on this blog. We don't want to miss anyone.

Cajon High School will have two athletes signing Friday as part of the 2009 Fall Signing Period, with softball player Bre'jae Washington signing with the University of Texas and gymnast Henrietta Green signing with Iowa State. The signings will take place at 10 a.m. in room B-24 on the Cajon campus.

Pretty self-explanatory, though I feel that Upland is way too low in the Central Division.

Central Division
1. Colton
2. Rancho Cucamonga
3. Colony
4. Elsinore
5. Los Osos
6. Chino Hills
7. Arroyo Valley
8. Etiwanda
9. Glendora
10. Upland
Also receiving votes: Ayala, Cajon

Eastern Division
1. Citrus Hill
2. Serrano
3. Silverado
4. Rim of the World
5. Kaiser
6. Norte Vista
7. La Quinta
8. Palm Springs
9. Palm Desert
10. Victor Valley
Also receiving votes: Riverside Notre Dame, Barstow, Granite Hills, San Jacinto

East Valley Division
1. St. Margaret's
2. Maranatha
3. Kern Valley
4. Sage Hill
5. Sierra Canyon
6. Campbell Hall
7. Fillmore
8. Santa Paula
9. Frazier Mountain
10. Twentynine Palms
Also receiving votes: Aquinas, Bishop Union, Ontario Christian

Inland Division
1. Redlands East Valley
2. Vista Murrieta
3. Norco
4. Rancho Verde
5. Corona Centennial
6. Redlands
7. Chaparral
8. Arlington
9. Roosevelt
10. Murrieta Valley
Also receiving votes: Greak Oak

Kaiser pitcher Alyssia Palomino will sign a letter of intent to play softball at Auburn on Thursday, according to an e-mail sent a few minutes ago by Kaiser softball coach John Stevens. The signing will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the principal's conference room at the high school. Wednesday is the first day of the Fall National Signing Period.

Other softball players expected to sign Wednesday are Aquinas pitcher Stevie Goldstein (Loyola Marymount), Chino Hills second baseman Talee Snow (UCLA) and Ayala pitcher Jessica Hall (UCLA). E-mail me at tj.berka@inlandnewspapers.com or comment on this blog if you know of any other signings going down this week.

Top 3 stay the same this week, but everything else is a huge jumble right now, as you'll see below.

1. Florida (1) - Boring win over Vanderbilt, which is the way it should be.
2. Alabama (2) - Beating a good LSU team, even with perhaps some replay official help, keeps Tide here.
3. Texas (3) - Jordan Shipley goes off in random November game with Central Florida.
4. TCU (6) - The Horned Frogs are straight rolling people right now.
5. Boise State (4) - Close call with Louisiana Tech, plus Oregon loss, drops Broncos a spot.
6. Cincinnati (7) - Actually was tested this week by UConn. Schedule gets tougher from here on out.
7. Georgia Tech (10) - Winning in OT against Wake Forest shoots Jackets up, as they were a rare one-loss team to hold serve.
8. Pittsburgh (13) - The big winners this week, as romping Syracuse puts Panthers in top 10.
9. Oregon (5) - Don't fall too much because a) a bunch of other teams lost and b) Stanford isn't bad.
10. USC (12) - An ugly win over Arizona State, but good enough to get back in top 10.
11. Houston (14) - Pulled one out by the skin of their teeth against Tulsa.
12. Miami (Fla) (15) - Brutalized Virginia to make a jump.
13. Ohio State (16) - Big win at Penn State has almost erased memories of Purdue.
14. LSU (9) - Handled themselves well against Alabama. This may be too far down to be honest.
15. Utah (17) - Utes keep winning to continue collison course against TCU.
16. Iowa (8) - The Hawkeyes finally got burned in a close game and lost their QB to boot.
17. Oklahoma State (18) - Cowboys best of the non-Longhorn teams in the Big 12 at this point.
18. BYU (19) - Threw up a 52-0 beating on Wyoming.
19. Arizona (21) - Wildcats keep quietly winning and moving up, but schedule is going to get real tough real quick.
20. Penn State (11) - Looked completely overmatched against Ohio State at home.
21. Virginia Tech (24) - Hokies got revenge against East Carolina in ugly win.
22. Wisconsin (25) - A little more dramatic than needed to be, but Wisconsin took down Indiana.
23. Clemson (NR) - Tigers have nice little four-game win streak going.
24. South Florida (NR) - A bit of a self-correction from last week here.
25. Oregon State (NR) - Beavers go into Berkeley and knock Cal around to break into rankings.

Receiving consideration: West Virginia, Stanford, Texas Tech
Dropped out: No. 20 Oklahoma, No. 22 Notre Dame, No. 23 California

Also released Sunday were the water polo brackets. There aren't any county teams with seeds, but Los Osos is the defending champion in Division V.

The volleyball and boys water polo playoff pairings were released today by the CIF offices. As far as volleyball goes, Redlands East Valley grabbed the No. 1 seed in Division II-AA while Upland Christian earned the top seed in D4-A. Victor Valley Christian (D5-AA) was the other seeded county team, grabbing the No. 4 spot.

Lots of shuffling after five. To be honest, how to rank teams 9-13 confused the heck out of me.

Sun Top 10

1. Redlands East Valley (9-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Miller, 28-20. Up next: Friday at No. 5 Redlands (8-1)

2. Colton (8-1)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. San Gorgonio, 42-19. Up next: Friday at Pacific (1-8).

3. Rancho Cucamonga (8-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. No. 9 Upland 34-31. Up next: Thursday vs. Etiwanda (6-3).

4. Colony (8-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Don Lugo, 42-10. Up next: Thursday at Montclair (3-6).

5. Redlands (8-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Rialto, 31-14. Up next: Friday vs. No. 1 Redlands East Valley (9-0).

6. Serrano (7-2)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Ridgecrest Burroughs, 29-12. Up next: Friday vs. Sultana (0-9).

7. Silverado (8-2)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Granite Hills, 25-14. Up next: Eastern Division playoffs, TBA.

8. Kaiser (6-3)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Bloomington, 41-0. Up next: Friday at Jurupa Valley (0-9).

9. Upland (7-2)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: lost to No. 3 Rancho Cucamonga, 34-31. Up next: Friday at Claremont (5-4).

10. Rim of the World (9-1)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Hesperia, 34-0. Up next: Eastern Division playoffs, TBA.

Just missed the cut: Los Osos (5-4), Chino Hills (7-2), Etiwanda (6-3), Arroyo Valley (7-2).

Dropped out: No. 6 Etiwanda (6-3).

Another crappy week. Starting to slip guys.

Kansas City (+6.5) over JACKSONVILLE
Baltimore (-3) over CINCINNATI
INDIANAPOLIS (-8) over Houston
ATLANTA (-9) over Washington
Green Bay (-10) over TAMPA BAY
Arizona (+3) over CHICAGO
Miami (+10.5) over NEW ENGLAND
NEW ORLEANS (-13) over Carolina
SEATTLE (-10) over Detroit
SAN FRANCISCO (-5) over Tennessee
San Diego (+4.5) over N.Y. GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA (-3) over Dallas
Pittsburgh (-3) over DENVER

Week: 5-8
Overall: 59-55-1

Lost in the hubbub last night was the fact that Redlands East Valley defensive end Andrew Hudson committed to the University of Washington Friday afternoon. Hudson, a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com, chose the Huskies over a final three that included Arizona and Oregon State.

"I'm just happy to have this over," Hudson said after REV's 28-20 win over Miller last night. "I know where I'm going to college and it's a great feeling."

Hudson joins a virtual army of REV players that have made the trip up to Seattle, as he joins sophomore quarterback Ronnie Fouch, sophomore defensive back Marquis Persley and redshirt freshman running back Chris Polk on the Huskies. I'm at the Rose Bowl right now to work on a story on Polk and Fouch (Persley didn't make the trip) so this adds another possible angle.

At the University of Redlands right now after watching REV beat Miller in an emotion-filled game. Will update more after I head back to the office.

Apple Valley 49, Sultana 6
Aquinas 34, Western Christian 7
Arroyo Valley 47, San Bernardino 15
Cajon 50, Pacific 0
Carter 53, Fontana 27
Chaffey 22, Garey 7
Chino Hills 14, Ayala 7
Claremont 45, Alta Loma 21
Colony 42, Don Lugo 10
Colton 42, San Gorgonio 19
Kaiser 41, Bloomington 0
Los Osos 58, Etiwanda 35
Montclair 40, Ontario 15
Oak Hills 42, Murrieta Mesa 0
Ontario Christian 49, Arrowhead Christian 10
Rancho Cucamonga 34, Upland 31
Redlands 31, Rialto 14
Redlands East Valley 28, Miller 20
Rim of the World 34, Hesperia 0
Riverside Norte Vista 44, Summit 29
Riverside Patriot 52, Jurupa Valley 7
Serrano 29, Ridgecrest Burroughs 12
Silverado 25, Granite Hills 14
Victor Valley 29, Barstow 28
Yucaipa 50, Eisenhower 41

Why do I keeping picking college football games despite being bad at it? For the laughs of course, and to show you guys that I'm part human. Not a great week or season for me thus far. Thankfully I'm better at the high school picks.

USC (-10) at Arizona State
Will the Trojans slog around after their lopsided loss to Oregon? Or will they come out inspired and rough up a mediocre Arizona State team? This game is inexplicably the sixth road game already for the Trojans. Whoever made their schedule had a sick sense of humor in my opinion. I expect USC to go through the motions a bit but do enough to win.
Pick: Arizona State

Washington (+5.5) at UCLA
I'll be at this game tomorrow working on a story about the Huskies' REV triumvirate, especially RB Chris Polk. UCLA showed some spunk last week hanging with Oregon State in Corvallis and with Washington's struggles on the road, the Bruins may be able to break through and get that first Pac-10 win. I have a hard time picking them to cover though.
Pick: Washington

Oregon (-7) at Stanford
I see this as the classic letdown game. The Ducks have been the toast of the Pacific Northwest after their savage beatdown of USC last week and its going to be hard for them to rebound and come out hungry against a sneaky-good Stanford team. Ultimately, Oregon should win this, but don't be surprised if the Cardinal put some fear in them.
Pick: Stanford

Oregon State (+7) at California
This is the time of year where the Beavers start to roll. But then again, Cal seems to have overcome its late September troubles and is rolling. This is a huge game for Cal QB Kevin Riley, who had a huge brain fart in the final seconds two years ago which prevented the then-No. 1 Golden Bears from kicking a game-tying field goal in a 31-28 loss. Riley gets his revenge.
Pick: California

Washington State (+32) at Arizona
Another big spread for the Cougars to try to stay within. Honestly, anyone who has taken the Cougars and the ridiculous amounts of points they receive from Vegas every week is making a huge profit. Wazzu is bad, but not bad enough. It'll be the same type deal this week, as Arizona wins easily but the Cougars win money for everyone who bet them.
Pick: Washington State

LSU (+7.5) at Alabama
I'm conflicted on this one. On one hand, I feel that LSU is slightly overrated and not really that good. On the other hand, Alabama seems ripe to be messed with a bit, as evidenced by their near-miss against Tennessee. I think the Tide wins, but the LSU defense keeps this low-scoring and close.
Pick: LSU

Oklahoma (-4.5) at Nebraska
This used to be the marquee rivalry in the Big 8. However, the Big 12 for some reason decided to make this rivalry a two-years-on, two-years-off affair, pretty much ruining one of the best matchups. It also doesn't help that they haven't been good at the same time since the 1980s. Both of these teams are very good defensively, but only one is competent offensively. That will be the difference.
Pick: Oklahoma

Ohio State (+5.5) at Penn State
The Nittany Lions come into this game red-hot, having won their last five games since dropping their conference opener to Iowa. The Buckeyes have looked better on offense the last two weeks, but then again, that's not hard against Minnesota and New Mexico State. I have a hard time seeing this Ohio State group winning at Happy Valley.
Pick: Penn State

Connecticut (+17) at Cincinnati
It's been a brutal past few weeks for the Huskies. One of their starting safeties gets stabbed and dies in tragic fashion, UConn loses three games in a row, two in heartbreaking, last-minute fashion. And now they get a Bearcats team that's been killing everything in its path. I don't see this going well for UConn.
Pick: Cincinnati

Duke (+10) at North Carolina
No, this is not a mistake. And no, this is not a basketball game. In fact, this is a surprisingly competitive football game, as the Blue Devils are 3-1 in the ACC and actually tied for first in the loser's column in the ACC Coastal Division. UNC was disappointing under Butch Davis, but is fresh off an upset of Va. Tech last week. I see UNC's talent ultimately winning out, but Duke is going to make this a game.
Pick: Duke

Last week: 4-6
Overall: 43-45-2

Misfired on Upland and Chino Hills last week, among others. And Ayala of course.

Miller at Redlands East Valley
At halftime last week, it looked like we were in for another Miller-REV undefeated clash in the CBL. Then Redlands decided to ruin it by erasing a 20-point deficit to tip the Rebels 28-27. But despite that, this is a very important game in the CBL. The Wildcats lost to Miller 18-15 to give up the CBL title last season and are intent on getting some sort of payback. They will.
Redlands East Valley 34, Miller 17

Rancho Cucamonga at Upland
The rematch of last year's Central Division championship game is basically an elimination game as far as the Baseline League title is concerned. Both have stumbled in recent upsets, with the Cougars falling to Los Osos and Upland losing to Etiwanda and it will be interesting to see which one steps up to the plate. I will go with the defending champs to put a complete game.
Rancho Cucamonga 21, Upland 15

Los Osos at Etiwanda
Gotta do the Baseline double dip this week. While the teams in the above game wonder what might have been, these teams are pointing and laughing at what has become. Etiwanda is the only undefeated team left and can put a hammerlock on things with a win and help, while Los Osos might be the most improved them from game 1 to game 8 in the county. I'll go with the Eagles in a thriller.
Etiwanda 27, Los Osos 23

Colton at San Gorgonio
Normally there might be a letdown for the Yellowjackets after a win like they had against Cajon, as San G is struggling in an injury-filled 2-6 season. But the Spartans upset Colton last year at Colton, leapfrogging the Yellowjackets for second place in league. It's doubtful that Colton has forgotten about that.
Colton 40, San Gorgonio 12

Chino Hills at Ayala
Ah yes, the battle of Chino Hills. There's a lot more at stake than just bragging rights or "The Bone" as both of these teams need to right the ship after upset losses a week ago. The loser of this, especially if its Ayala, will be in trouble, as there's no guarantee than the fourth-place team from the Sierra League will get the Central Division at-large bid. The Huskies seem more battle-tested than Ayala, so that's who I'll go with.
Chino Hills 23, Ayala 13

Silverado at Granite Hills
Silverado is arguably the hottest team in the county without the words "East Valley" in their school name, having won seven in a row to take control of the Desert Sky League. Granite Hills has already had its best year in school history and an upset win here would do wonders for its playoff chances. However, I think Silverado's roll is too much for the Cougars to slow.
Silverado 31, Granite Hills 16

Don Lugo at Colony
The Conquistadores have two legitimate Division I players in George Uko and Steven Bethley. Colony has an entire team of studs it seems. The Titans have been marching over everyone in their path since an opening-week loss to Los Osos and it seems doubtful that Don Lugo can prevent that from happening to them.
Colony 34, Don Lugo 10

Riverside Norte Vista at Summit
This game is basically for second place, as Kaiser as the Sunkist League title basically in its grasp (What else is new) after beating these teams the last two weeks. Of the two games with Kaiser, Summit's was the more competitive. Not sure how much you can read into that, but the SkyHawks seem to have the talent to overcome Norte Vista's physical attack.
Summit 21, Norte Vista 18

Rim of the World at Hesperia
The Fighting Scots have rolled their last two opponents after losing their opener to Serrano and just need to beat the Scorpions to clinch a playoff spot. Despite what has been a tough go of it to date, Hesperia is in control of its playoff destiny even with a loss today. That's good, because a loss is almost certainly going to happen.
Rim of the World 35, Hesperia 10

Twentynine Palms at Big Bear
These two East Valley powers seem to have found themselves after early struggles. The Wildcats have won five in a row since starting 0-4 and would love nothing more than to clinch a league title in Big Bear, which has won its last two and three of four. The Bears spoiled 29's bid for an undisputed league title last year but won't pull the trick twice.
Twentynine Palms 23, Big Bear 16

Other games of note:
Claremont 33, Alta Loma 7
Ontario Christian 28, Arrowhead Christian 17
Aquinas 45, Western Christian 13
Carter 34, Fontana 24
Redlands 38, Rialto 0
Yucaipa 48, Eisenhower 21
Barstow 20, Victor Valley 14
Apple Valley 42, Sultana 14
Chaffey 36, Garey 13
Montclair 38, Ontario 14
Arroyo Valley 45, San Bernardino 23
Cajon 51, Pacific 0
Kaiser 36, Bloomington 6
Glendora 40, Chino 7
Citrus Valley 24, Indio Shadow Hills 15
Oak Hills 48, Murrieta Mesa 6
Serrano 28, Ridgecrest Burroughs 13
Yucca Valley 30, Acton Vasquez 10

Week: 22-6
Overall: 201-55

The 2009-2010 boys and girls playoff divisions were released Tuesday with a few notable changes. One of the most notable dealt with Hesperia, which dropped from Division I-AA to Division II-A in both genders. Redlands East Valley also dropped in both genders, moving down from I-AA to I-A.

Another notable team that moved up was the Colony girls basketball team. After winning the D3-A CIF title two years ago and the D1-A title last year, the Titans will have a chance to win a third title in a third different division, as they've moved up to D1-AA. Summit also made a leap up, moving from D2-A to D1-A.

Other notable girls teams to move up include Fontana (D1-A to D1-AA), Colton and Ontario (D2-AA to D1-A) and Alta Loma (D2-A to D2-AA). Boys teams to move up include Los Osos (D1-A to D1-AA), Colton and Ontario (D2-AA to D1-A), Yucaipa (D2-A to D1-A) and Summit (D2-A to D2-AA).

Of the new schools, Oak Hills was placed in D4-AA in both genders while Citrus Valley was put in D4-A.

The fall national signing period is fast approaching, as it starts this upcoming Tuesday and runs through November 18. During this time, athletes will be signing letters of intent with four-year colleges to play basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf and women's water polo.

A few notables who will likely sign starting on Tuesday are Alta Loma boys basketball player J.J. O'Brien (Utah), Summit girls basketball player Maiya Michel (University of Denver) and Redlands East Valley volleyball player Johnna Fouch (San Diego State).

Know of players signing next week? Send me an e-mail at tj.berka@inlandnewspapers.com or message me on this blog.

I didn't have much time after the Colton-Cajon game Thursday, but I did get a little tidbit about Colton defensive back Derrick Malone's recruitment from Yellowjackets coach Harold Strauss.

Malone, who was the star of Colton's 38-9 victory with 249 yards rushing and four touchdowns, including 80-yarders on Colton's first play of both halves, is heading to the University of Nebraska this weekend on an official visit with the Cornhuskers. It will be his first official visit and should be a good one, as Nebraska hosts rival Oklahoma.

As for his other visits, those are up in the air according to Strauss. A couple of teams high on Malone's list - UCLA and Oregon - have picked up contact and are on the verge of offering in Strauss' opinion. Another Pac-10 team, Arizona, has also been talking with Malone a lot lately and could offer.

"He's going to wait to see if some of these other schools offer and go from there," Strauss said. "I know he's been wanting to hear from some more Pac-10 schools so he'll wait to see what they do and go from there."

Another week, another new No. 1 in the Central Division. It's Colton's turn now.

CENTRAL DIVISION

1. Colton
2. Rancho Cucamonga
3. Colony
4. Etiwanda
5. Upland
6. Elsinore
7. Chino Hills
8. Arroyo Valley
9. Glendora
10. Ayala
Also receiving votes: Don Lugo, Cajon, Los Osos

EASTERN DIVISION

1. Citrus Hill
2. Serrano
3. Palm Desert
4. Silverado
5. Rim of the World
6. Kaiser
7. Barstow
8. Norte Vista
9. La Quinta
10. Granite Hills
Also receiving votes: Notre Dame, San Jacinto, Victor Valley, Palm Springs

EAST VALLEY DIVISION

1. St. Margaret's
2. Campbell Hall
3. Maranatha
4. Kern Valley
5. Sage Hill
6. Fillmore
7. Santa Paula
8. Sierra Canyon
9. Frazier Mountain
10. Twentynine Palms
Also receiving votes: Arrowhead Christian, Aquinas

INLAND DIVISION

1. Redlands East Valley
2. Corona Centennial
3. Vista Murrieta
4. Norco
5. Rancho Verde
6. Redlands
7. Chaparral
8. Arlington
9. Roosevelt
10. Murrieta Valley
Also receiving votes: Great Oak

Oregon makes a huge jump after destroying USC in one of the more impressive performances I've seen in a while.

1. Florida (1) - Finally looked like the dominating Gator team from last year.
2. Alabama (2) - Very tempted to put Texas here, but I'll give Alabama a chance to redeem its spot against LSU this week.
3. Texas (3) - Has looked very good the last two weeks since beating Oklahoma.
4. Boise State (6) - Get a bump up thanks to Oregon's performance. That September win looks bigger by the day.
5. Oregon (13) - Any time you beat USC by 27, you are going to shoot up the rankings.
6. TCU (5) - Loses a spot, but due more to what others did well.
7. Cincinnati (7) - Bearcats cruising along in the Big East.
8. Iowa (8) - Hawkeyes looked awful for 3 quarters against Indiana, then won by 18. Weird.
9. LSU (9) - Big showdown with Alabama looms.
10. Georgia Tech (10) - Put up 56 points on Vandy.
11. Penn State (12) - Put away Northwestern late.
12. USC (4) - The Trojans have to hate the Pacific Northwest right now.
13. Pittsburgh (15) - Panthers are quietly surging up the polls.
14. Houston (16) - Cougars gain 750 yards of offense to win 50-43 shootout over Southern Miss.
15. Miami (Fla) (17) - Escaped Wake Forest by the hair of their chinny-chin-chin.
16. Ohio State (19) - Buckeyes win laugher over New Mexico State.
17. Utah (20) - Utes scrape one out against Wyoming.
18. Oklahoma State (11) - Cowboys got blasted by Texas and quite frankly, I may have them too high.
19. BYU (22) - Moved up 3 spots in a bye week. Must be nice.
20. Oklahoma (23) - Sooners complete sweep of Kansas schools.
21. Arizona (25) - Wildcats could be a sleeper in the Pac-10.
22. Notre Dame (NR) - Irish keep winning and finally get back in the top 25.
23. California (NR) - Last-second FG gets Cal win at Arizona State.
24. Virginia Tech (14) - Two straight losses has Va. Tech holding on for dear life.
25. Wisconsin (NR) - 37-0 thrashing of Purdue gives Badgers spot.

Receiving consideration: Mississippi, Texas Tech, West Virginia
Dropped out: No. 18 Mississippi, No. 21 South Carolina, No. 24 West Virginia

Not a great week last week. Apparently picking from a hotel room in Tucson doesn't suit me too well.

Denver (+3.5) over BALTIMORE
Cleveland (+13.5) over CHICAGO
Houston (-3) over BUFFALO
GREEN BAY (-3) over Minnesota
San Francisco (+13) over INDIANAPOLIS
N.Y. JETS (-3.5) over Miami
DETROIT (off) over St. Louis
Seattle (+10) over DALLAS
SAN DIEGO (-17) over Oakland
Jacksonville (+3) over TENNESSEE
Carolina (+10) over ARIZONA
PHILADELPHIA (+2) over N.Y. Giants
Atlanta (+10.5) over NEW ORLEANS

Week: 5-7-1
Overall: 54-47-1