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Oregon commit Ifo-Ekpre Olomu caps off a stellar career at Chino Hills by winning the league's MVP. Teammate Auston Johnson rode 21 sacks to defensive MVP honors, with fellow playoff teams Claremont and Charter Oak splitting the offensive MVP honors.

Player of the year: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Chino Hills, Sr.
Co-offensive MVPs: Daniel Kessler, Claremont, Sr., Dennis Rufus, Charter Oak, Sr.
Defensive MVP: Auston Johnson, Chino Hills, Sr.

FIRST TEAM
Offense
QB: Vince Hernandez, South Hills, Sr.
QB: Travis Santiago, Charter Oak, Sr.
RB: Nate Harris, Chino Hills, Sr.
RB: Jamal Hart, South Hills, Jr.
RB: James Ramirez, Damien, Sr.
WR: Chris Gilchrist, Charter Oak, Jr.
WR: Josiah Thropay, Charter Oak, Sr.
WR: Scott Calles,Chino Hills, Sr.
WR: Aaron Dockery, Claremont, Jr.
WR: Tanner Kuramata, Claremont, Sr.
WR: Jack Reeder, Claremont, Sr.

OL: Travis Doll, Charter Oak, Sr.
OL: Nick Enriquez, Chino Hills, Jr.
OL: Robert Soliz, Chino Hills,Sr.
OL: Shaquille Davis, Claremont, Sr.
OL: Sioasi Aiono, South Hills, Sr.
OL: Jeff Vargas, South Hills, Sr.
PK: Joey Cejudo, Chino Hills, Sr.

Defense
DL: Charlie Avila, Charter Oak, Sr.
DL: Maurice Clement, Charter Oak, Sr.
DL: Brad Bergen, Chino Hills, Sr.
DL: Brandon Tuliapupu, Claremont, Sr.
DL: Peter Nonu, South Hills, Sr.
LB: Nick Alexander, Charter Oak, Sr.
LB: Greg Bennett, Chino Hills, Sr.
LB: Nick Gonzales, Chino Hills, Sr.
LB: Jake Okerman, Claremont, Sr.
LB: James Wernli, Claremont, Jr.
LB: Griffin Lord, Damien, Sr.
DB: Scott Calles, Chino Hills, Sr.
DB: Nate Harris, Chino Hills, Sr.
DB: Steven Smith, Chino Hills, Sr.
DB: Andrew Tarankow, Claremont, Jr.
DB: Dorian Granados, Damien, Sr.
P: Denny Hageman, Damien, Jr.

While there have been a couple of leagues that have already started playing, league play will really get going this week. And this is when high school football gets good. I seem to finally be getting into some sort of groove, only dropping five games this week.

Redlands at Redlands East Valley
The battle of the Smudge Pot is always a battle and will be again. Both teams are smarting a bit, Redlands from three straight losses in this rivalry and REV from two consecutive losses where it was outscored 55-17. The Terriers are fresh off a bye week and confident after going 4-0-1 against a tough nonleague schedule and look to have the mojo going in. Which is why I'm going the other way. I think REV will circle the wagons and hoist the Smudge Pot again.
Redlands East Valley 17, Redlands 14

Silverado at Victor Valley
Another crosstown rivalry that should be a doozy, as the Jackrabbits have their best chance in a decade to knock off Silverado. Victor Valley has played well in going 5-0, winning The Bell over Apple Valley for the second straight year, but they haven't faced the schedule Silverado has to date. And the Jackrabbits don't have a win like Silverado's victory over Summit two weeks ago. This is when the Hawks start to turn it on and I think Silverado wins a thriller.
Silverado 30, Victor Valley 28

Rancho Cucamonga at Los Osos
This was the Grizzlies' coming-out party a year ago, as a struggling Los Osos team shocked Rancho, starting a seven-game winning streak that didn't end until the Grizzlies lost to Upland in the Central Division title game. Los Osos isn't struggling this year, sporting a solid 3-2 record, but they are the underdogs to a stout Rancho team led by senior RB Sateki Finau. The Cougars have had two weeks to overcome their loss to Redlands and will prevail tomorrow.
Rancho Cucamonga 26, Los Osos 20

Aquinas at Ontario Christian
The bellwether game of the Christian League is expected to be the same in the new Ambassador League, as this holy war is always one of the must-see games in the county. Aquinas has won the last three and comes in with momentum, having won four in a row after a season-opening loss to Desert Hot Springs. The Knights, meanwhile, have struggled, losing three in a row. They'll get back to winning, but after this week, as I'm going with the Falcons.
Aquinas 34, Ontario Christian 23

Chino Hills at Claremont
The Baseline League has gotten the hype as the toughest league west of the 15, but that title may actually go to the Sierra. And that reason is due in large part to the play of these two teams. A senior-laden Claremont squad has erupted to a 4-1 start behind QB Daniel Kessler, who has thrown for 302 yards per game. The Wolfpack haven't faced a defense nearly as stout or as talented as Chino Hills' though and will be slowed down enough by the Huskies.
Chino Hills 27, Claremont 17

Arroyo Valley at San Gorgonio
The Hawks have been in a holding pattern on offense this year with the travails of quarterback Michael Yearwood, who has missed all but one series due to transfer paperwork and a knee injury. The latter will have him out for this key game, putting the onus on an impressive Arroyo Valley defense to shut down a potent San G attack. The Spartans got a big win last week at Carter and are thirsting at the chance to go on a winning streak. And I think they will.
San Gorgonio 20, Arroyo Valley 14

Serrano at Apple Valley
The Diamondbacks are the king poobah of the Mojave River League and despite having issues in the passing game during the nonleague season, always seem to be ready to roll this time of the year. Apple Valley has done a good job of adjusting to its personnel, going from a power-running option attack to a more balanced attack that has featured senior WR Cavion Flournoy. Serrano has size and experience in the trenches, which will tell the tale in this one.
Serrano 28, Apple Valley 13

Chino at Garey
Two of the surprises of the Mt. Baldy League meet to see who is the most for real. The Cowboys have been devastating offensively under first-year coach Matt McCain, averaging 45 points per game. Garey will be Chino's toughest test to date, as the Vikings possess possibly the best player in the league in senior WR Dominique Williams. But I like the groove Chino is in and look for it to continue tonight.
Chino 35, Garey 24

Bloomington at Norte Vista
This league opener, which I'll be at in a couple hours, could eventually decide the third Sunkist League playoff spot behind Kaiser and Summit. The Bruins have already equaled their win total from last year at 3, though were defeated handily by Paloma Valley last week, while the Braves are looking to recapture the form that brought them 11 wins and a Eastern Division semifinal appearance a year ago. I look for the Braves to do that and win a crucial game.
Norte Vista 23, Bloomington 18

Desert Hot Springs at Big Bear
Saturday afternoon brings a big matchup in the mountains, as both of these teams have taken tremendous steps forward from a year ago. DSH has already knocked off some name county foes, beating Aquinas and Rim of the World, while the Bears have sparkled behind the nifty option work of junior quarterback Zak Planz. The winner here takes a huge step toward ending Twentynine Palms' reign atop the De Anza League and its basically a coin flip. So I'll go with the home team.
Big Bear 35, Desert Hot Springs 32

Other games of note:
Linfield Christian 38, Arrowhead Christian 9
Western Christian 20, Calvary Murrieta 10
Glendora 35, Etiwanda 30
Upland 49, Alta Loma 0
Miller 45, Eisenhower 13
Yucaipa 28, Fontana 12
Twentynine Palms 36, Shadow Hills 10
Yucca Valley 47, Desert Mirage 0
Barstow 16, Granite Hills 14
Oak Hills 30, Sultana 10
Rubidoux 42, Jurupa Hills 6
Rim of the World 35, Citrus Valley 14
Colony 42, Chaffey 10
Ontario 23, Don Lugo 21
Colton 38, San Bernardino 12
Cajon 27, Rialto 14
Carter 54, Pacific 12
Bloomington Christian 20, Fairmont Prep 10
Charter Oak 24, Ayala 17
Kaiser 59, Jurupa Valley 0
Summit 38, Patriot 16
Last week: 21-5
Overall: 128-52-3

Still got a couple more teams to get to in previews, but luckily they don't play this week. There are several teams that do play, however, and several intriguing games, including a doozy tonight.

Etiwanda at Summit
This is where I'll be in T minus-3 hours, as the Baseline co-champion Eagles play a Summit team that might have more explosion than any team in the area. I'm interested in two things a) how creative Summit is in using Devon Blackmon and b) how the Etiwanda offense will look after losing Angel Santiago and Bobby Ratliff, among others. I think Summit will have a bit too much firepower.
Summit 27, Etiwanda 17

Rancho Cucamonga at Silverado
I was originally slated to be at this game tomorrow, but changes out of my control prevent that. And that's really too bad, because I was looking forward to seeing the Cougars in the High Desert. Silverado doesn't dodge anyone in the nonleague schedule, but injury issues to its offensive line will make it tough for its skill players to dodge the Rancho defenders.
Rancho Cucamonga 31, Silverado 16

Upland at Miller
The Baseline League is all over Week 0 apparently. This game was highly anticipated when it was played at Upland last year and turned out to be prophetic, as a CIF-champion Highlander team choked out a highly-touted Miller team that eventually ended up underachieving. The Rebels will want to turn the tables, but I don't think they'll be able to.
Upland 24, Miller 10

Cajon at Claremont
Another intriguing Sun/Bulletin crossover game, as both teams feel they are ready for a considerable leap. For Cajon, the feeling is that the Cowboys will have a team comparable to its 2008 SAL champion and Central semifinalist. For the Wolfpack, the change to the Sierra League and a new opportunity is something they are stoked about. I'll go with the team that's more used to success in this one.
Cajon 26, Claremont 20

Temecula Greak Oak at Redlands
This is where I was switched to tomorrow and, despite my regret about not seeing Rancho-Silverado, I'm not going to complain. Great Oak handled the Terriers 24-7 in the season opener last year, something that I'll bet Redlands coach Jim Walker is reminding his team about. I think the Terriers will come out hungry and push Great Oak around a bit.
Redlands 19, Great Oak 13

Los Osos at Colony
The Bechtel Bowl should be a fun one, as former Los Osos offensive coordinator Matt Bechtel will be making his debut as the Colony coach against his old team. It will be interesting to see how the Titans handle Bechtel's system in game one and how much the Grizzlies can reload from last year. Los Osos has never lost a season opener and I'm not betting against that streak.
Los Osos 28, Colony 21

Apple Valley at Barstow
Both of these teams aren't really sure what kind of hand they have, as graduation losses have ravaged them. The Sun Devils won their first playoff game in over two decades last season, giving them some momentum, while Barstow is always a tough out, especially at home. In a game filled with uncertainty, I will go with the safe pick and take the home team.
Barstow 17, Apple Valley 12

Silver Valley at Citrus Valley
After a year of waiting, the Blackhawks will finally play their first game in their swanky new, on-campus stadium. A manageable league and a returning roster have expectations high at Citrus Valley. Playing a feckless Silver Valley team will only make them higher. The Blackhawks will get their first home victory in their first home game.
Citrus Valley 56, Silver Valley 6

Paraclete at Serrano
Paraclete gave Serrano an early wake-up call a year ago, throttling the Diamondbacks' young offensive line in a 13-3 victory. Well, that offensive line isn't so young anymore, as four starters return from a team that went to the Eastern Division championship game. Add in the homefield advantage of Snowline Stadium and Serrano's season starts out nicely.
Serrano 27, Paraclete 9

Ayala at Don Lugo
Two teams that I really don't have a handle on go head-to-head in this game. Ayala has suffered heavy personnel losses in the past two years, going from being a Central quarterfinalist to a team that might struggle in the Sierra League. The Conquistadores lost some top-line talent last year in George Uko and Steven Bethley. Once again, I will go with the home team here.
Don Lugo 21, Ayala 16

Other games of interest:
Montclair 27, Ganesha 12
Chaffey 42, Alta Loma 6
Aquinas 24, Desert Hot Springs 13
Chino Hills 30, Lakewood Mayfair 14
Granite Hills 31, Lancaster Eastside 21
El Monte Arroyo 30, Ontario 10
Twentynine Palms 38, Xavier Prep 6
Moreno Valley 20, Rialto 14
Ridgecrest Burroughs 41, Hesperia 13
Ontario Christian 23, Whittier Christian 21
Yucca Valley 26, Rubidoux 17
Pasadena Maranatha 23, Big Bear 17

Courtesy of Clay Fowler...

Alta Loma sophomore Andy Anderson finished fourth in the CIF-SS Division 2 diving championships on Tuesday at Fullerton College. Anderson, the Baseline League champion, scored 386 points on Tuesday to build on his seventh-place finish as a freshman in last season's CIF championships.

Connor Webb of Los Osos scored 293 points to finish 11th while Anderson's teammate Chris Olsen placed 17th with a score of 202.

Los Osos' Tyler Beck finished 19th (187) and Scott Clawson 29th (100) while the Upland duo of Scott Mackay (115) and Dustin Borges (113) finished 23rd and 24th, respectively. Claremont's Keaton Hutchins placed 31st (98).

On the girls side, Los Osos sophomore Mia Goings, part of a trio from the school that swept the podium at the Baseline League finals last week, was the Inland Valley's top finisher. Goings, the Baseline League champion, placed 12th at the CIF championships with a score of 348.

Los Osos teammate Devon Weston finshed 16th (325) and Desirae Aussef 23rd (141) after the two finished second and third, respectively, at the Baseline League finals. Upland's Danielle Tomes placed 20th (213) and Claremont's Piper Moore 29th (128).

Saturday's Baseline League Wrestling Finals Results
Top 3 advance to CIF-SS Inland Division individual tournament at Fountain Valley HS, 4th place is alternate.
103: 1. Derek Avalos (Alta Loma), 2. Justin Padilla (Los Osos) 3. Omar Rivera (Etiwanda) 4. Trevor Zbinden (Rancho Cucamonga), 112. Michael Rodriquez (AL), 2. Spencer Glasheen (Upland), 3. Andrew Avila (Etiwanda), 4. Alex Miller (LO), 119: Tim Maldonado (LO), 2. Justin Silva (AL), 3. Marvin Cano (U), 4. Evan Romero (E), 125: 1. Andrew Decker (U), 2. Taylor King (AL), 3. Danny Cardenas (E), 4. Anthony Banke (LO), 130: 1. Eli Mack, (AL), 2. Kyle Voce (LO), 3. Travis Chapman (U), 4. Paul Gallant (E), 135: 1. Jacob Leon, (AL), 2. Evan Coss (E), 3. Sasan Amini (LO), 4. Tim Tran (RC), 140: 1. Joseph Rodriquez, (AL), 2. Albert Hernandez (U), 3. Dylan Handlen (LO), 4. David Velasquez (E), 145. Jaykob Miller (E), 2. Javier Hernadez (AL), 3. Jonathan Ivy (Claremont), 4. Javier Aguilar, 152: 1. Larry Cutbirth (E), 2. Elijah Anderson (AL), 3. Brandon Cruz (U), 4. Brennan Biewener (Cl),160: 1. Jon Solano (LO), 2. Antonio Rivera (E), 3. Kyle Maloney (U), 4. Jordan Toki, (AL), 171: 1. Ian Poling (U), 2. Andrew Giles (AL), 3. Ramon Carlos (E), 4. Chris Hughes (RC), 189: JJ Everard (E), 2. Adrian Giles (AL), 3. Anthony Martinez (LO), 4. Nick Auzenre, (RC), 215. Ameer Mohameed (U), 2. Egypt Littlejohn (E), 3. River Harris (RC), 4. Ryan Mansfield (LO), Hvy: 1. Bret Cote (LO), 2. Javier Gonzalez (U), 3. Austin Miley (E), 4. Kevin Valle (AL).
Alta Loma and Etiwanda Qualified 11 kids for CIF. Upland had 10, Los Osos had 8, Rancho Cucamonga and Claremont had 1 each

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.

A couple of former Inland Valley standouts saw their names called in the NFL Draft Sunday, one fairly early this morning and one just about 10-15 minutes ago.

San Jose State defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert, a Chino High School graduate, was picked by the Chicago Bears with the fourth selection of the third round (68th overall). Gilbert, who can play both end and tackle, was the Bears' first selection of the 2009 Draft and the second Chino grad to be picked in the last two years - joining defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, the first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints a year ago.

California tight end Cameron Morrah, a Claremont High School graduate, was recently picked by the Seattle Seahawks with the 39th pick in the seventh round (248th overall). Morrah, the ninth-to-last selection, was the second Baseline League alum to be drafted this season, along with Rancho Cucamonga's Patrick Chung, and the fifth to be drafted in the last three years (Morrah, Chung, Rancho Cucamonga's Gerald Alexander, Rancho Cucamonga's Terrell Thomas and Alta Loma's Eric Weddle).

Not drafted today, but likely to be signed as a rookie free agent, is Boise State running back Ian Johnson, a Damien graduate. Johnson, a native of San Dimas, is most famous for scoring the winning 2-point conversion in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma and proposing to Boise State cheerleader Chrissy Popadics on national television after the postgame interview.

Yeah, I didn't forget about the top league in the area, at least by my estimation. This is a league that should be very happy come Sunday, though there are a lot of possibilites as far as seeding is concerned. What I do know is that whoever has to play the No. 3 seeded team in the Central Division playoffs is going to be extremely annoyed.

1. Rancho Cucamonga (8-0-1, 4-0): The Cougars have clinched a playoff berth and could clinch the No. 1 seed - in both the league and in the entire Central Division - with a win over Upland Friday. However, a loss to the Scots and a Los Osos win would cause a three-way flip for seeding between Rancho, Upland and Los Osos. A loss and a Los Osos loss would give Rancho the No. 2 seed.

2. Upland (8-1, 3-1): Upland hasn't officially clinched a playoff berth, but it can notch the No. 1 seed with a win over Rancho and a Los Osos loss to Etiwanda. A win and a Los Osos win would cause a three-way flip for seeding for the three spots. A loss and a Los Osos win would drop Upland to the No. 3 seed. A loss and an Etiwanda win over Los Osos would cause a three-way flip for two spots between Upland, Los Osos and Etiwanda. However, if Upland lost that flip, they are a shoo-in for the at-large. In fact, I'm more likely to get Jessica Biel to decommit from Justin Timberlake and go on a date with me than Upland is of being excluded from the playoffs.

3. Los Osos (7-2, 3-1): A win and the Grizzlies are in. If they should win and Upland should win, there will be a three-way flip for the three spots. If they should win and Rancho wins, Los Osos would get the No. 2 seed. If they should lose and Rancho wins, there would be a three-way flip for two spots, with Los Osos almost assuredly getting the at-large playoff berth. A loss and an Upland win would relegate the Grizzlies to at-large status, though I'd have a better shot of dating Stacy Keibler than Los Osos does of missing the playoffs.

4. Etiwanda (5-4, 2-2): A win and an Upland win clinches a playoff berth for Etiwanda. A win and a Rancho win causes a three-way flip between Upland, Los Osos and the Eagles for two spots. A loss puts Etiwanda in a somewhat precarious position, as their 5-5 record wouldn't be nearly as much of an at-large no-brainer than an 8-2 Upland or a 7-3 Los Osos. However, the tea leaves seem to be saying Etiwanda would get the at-large, even over a 5-4-1 Colton team should circumstances dictate.

5. Alta Loma (3-6, 0-4): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

6. Claremont (2-7, 0-4): Eliminated from playoff consideration.