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After how I did last week, picking incorrectly in both semifinals in the Central and Eastern Division, I'm pretty sure no one wants the endorsement of this blog. But they are going to get it.

CENTRAL DIVISION
Colton at Rancho Verde
The Yellowjackets played an instant classic last week to get to their first final in 29 years, outpointing Cajon 42-41 in overtime on Randy Valdez's leaping 35-yard, 3rd-and-20 touchdown reception. But Colton has itself a task in front of it. Rancho Verde seems to be beating all of the ghosts of its previous playoff flameouts into submission, scoring 161 points in three games coming into this one. I think Colton will test the Mustangs for a while, but Rancho Verde is a bit too deep for the Yellowjackets.
Rancho Verde 35, Colton 21

EASTERN DIVISION
Summit at Elsinore
Besides Yucca Valley's first-round victory over Aquinas in the East Valley Division, Elsinore's victory at Kaiser last week might have been the biggest surprise of the playoffs to date. Summit's win at Serrano last week wasn't shocking, but it was an impressive upset. Can Summit hold up to Elsinore's physicality and make some big plays with Devon Blackmon and Montigo Alford. I'm going yes. I'll take the SkyHawks to win the school's first-ever CIF title in any sport.
Summit 28, Elsinore 22

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
Paraclete 35, Sierra Canyon 30

INLAND DIVISION
Vista Murrieta at Corona Centennial
These teams aren't in our coverage area, but this game should be a dandy. The Inland Valley's best pushed these two top seeds hard last week, with Rancho Cucamonga taking Vista Murrieta to overtime before falling 35-28 and Chino Hills entering the fourth quarter only down 28-23 to top-seeded Centennial before losing 42-23. I was at the Chino Hills-Centennial game last week and was extremely impressed by Centennial's fearless, quick-strike offense. They'll be too much for the Broncos in my opinion.
Centennial 48, Vista Murrieta 27

Some real good matchups this week, as you'd expect at this stage in the playoffs.

INLAND DIVISION

Corona Centennial at Chino Hills
No. 1 Centennial is known for the explosive offense, but Chino Hills has been putting up some gaudy totals in the playoffs, throwing up 70 on Corona and 45 on Etiwanda to get to this point. Can the No. 4-seeded Huskies keep up with Centennial and pull the shocker? Upland did have some success, but I think Centennial will wear down Chino Hills in the second half like it did the Highlanders.
Corona Centennial 49, Chino Hills 30

Rancho Cucamonga at Vista Murrieta
If there's one thing teams can do in the Inland Division, it's score points by the truckload. Both of these teams were ballin last week, with No. 3 Rancho hitting up Roosevelt for 51 points and No. 2 Vista Murrieta putting up 48 in waxing Norco. I really like what Rancho Cucamonga has done, but I think the Cougars may be a year away from winning this game. I like the seeds to hold and the Broncos to win a doozy.
Vista Murrieta 38, Rancho Cucamonga 28

CENTRAL DIVISION

La Quinta 27, Rancho Verde 24
Have to stick with my pre--playoff pick here, though Rancho Verde's 49-3 win over a red-hot San Gorgonio team definitely turned some heads.

Cajon at Colton
This is where I'll be Saturday and quite frankly, I can't wait. Cajon won the first matchup in October, winning 29-20 at Colton, but the Yellowjackets will have star RB Tyler Ervin back. Colton's offense has exploded the last two weeks, combining for 89 points. Cajon quarterback Thomas Carter exploded last week too, looking like Vince Young in the 2006 Rose Bowl (sorry USC fans) in the win over Arlington. Been hemming and hawing on this one, but I'll go with Cajon and its 9-game win streak.
Cajon 28, Colton 27

EASTERN DIVISION

Elsinore at Kaiser
The No. 4 seeded Tigers will come in unafraid and try to match top-seeded Kaiser punch-for-punch. Not sure that is the best way to face the Cats, who have pummeled every opponent in their path, with the Apple Valley schools being their latest two victims. Have a hard time imagining Elsinore being able to hold up for a full four quarters.
Kaiser 36, Elsinore 14

Summit at Serrano
While I'm happy to be at Cajon-Colony, it sucks that I can't clone myself and go to this one as well. Summit has probably the most explosive combo of offensive players in the county in Devon Blackmon and Montigo Alford, but has a tough test ahead of it with Serrano's physical, brawling defense. The SkyHawks went punch to punch with Kaiser better than anyone else has, but a Saturday night in frigid Snowline Stadium is a bit too much to overcome.
Serrano 23, Summit 14

EAST VALLEY DIVISION

Paraclete 38, St. Margaret's 20

Sierra Canyon at Yucca Valley
Can the Yucca Valley Cinderella ride continue for one more week? The Trojans have been the feel-good story of the playoffs, upsetting No. 2 seeded Aquinas in the first round and toppling Mountain Valley League champ Rubidoux last week. But their defense will be tested by a potent Sierra Canyon passing attack that allows the Trailblazers to score 40.6 points per game. I picked the Trojans last week, but I feel the run ends here.
Sierra Canyon 28, Yucca Valley 12

Saturday is going to be a huge day, as four county teams will be playing, including two county-county games.

INLAND DIVISION
Corona Centennial at Chino Hills (Friday)
Rancho Cucamonga at Vista Murrieta (Saturday)

CENTRAL DIVISION
Rancho Verde at La Quinta (Friday)
Cajon at Colton (Saturday)

EASTERN DIVISION
Elsinore at Kaiser (Friday)
Summit at Serrano (Saturday)

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
St. Margaret's at Paraclete (Friday)
Sierra Canyon at Yucca Valley (Saturday)

Just got back in town from Thanksgiving and will get these done real quick before heading out to Ramona High School for Cajon-Arlington.

Inland Division

Corona Centennial at Upland
In the battle between defending CIF champions last week, Upland took down Chaparral to help the Baseline League to a 3-0 mark. While that victory was impressive, Centennial is a different, more potent beast. Upland will score some, but not nearly enough to keep up.
Centennial 52, Upland 21

Chino Hills at Etiwanda
Can the Eagles pull off another upset? The Etiwanda defense stepped up huge in the win at Redlands East Valley, but Chino Hills just put up 10 touchdowns on Corona. The Huskies are humming on that side of the ball and should win a shootout.
Chino Hills 45, Etiwanda 35

Rancho Cucamonga at Roosevelt
The Cougars are playoff-savvy and looked good against Murrieta Valley, while Roosevelt had to scratch and claw against Claremont. Look for Rancho to keep the Baseline contingent alive.
Rancho Cucamonga 34, Roosevelt 28

Vista Murrieta 41, Norco 27

Central Division

Rancho Verde at San Gorgonio
Rancho Verde is the top seed in the bracket, but they had to scratch and claw to get past the Spartans in week one. And that's before San G caught fire with its current seven-game win streak. I still like Rancho Verde though.
Rancho Verde 29, San Gorgonio 21

La Quinta at Chino
This is easily the toughest test that 11-0 Chino has had to face this year, as La Quinta is perennially among the top teams in whatever division it is playing in. Chino has been quite the story, but I'm not sure it's fully prepared for this.
La Quinta 28, Chino 22

Cajon at Arlington
The second-hottest team in the county goes against a red-hot player, as the Cowboys' 8-game winning streak will be tested by Arlington and their star RB Superiorr Reid, who has 32 touchdowns. Cajon is good but I like Arlington's smashmouth style.
Arlington 35, Cajon 24

Palm Springs at Colton
While both of these teams put up ridiculous point totals last week, I think we'll see some defense in this one. Both of these teams are stout on that side of the ball, though I feel Palm Springs has a bit more oomph.
Palm Springs 20, Colton 14

Eastern Division

Kaiser at Granite Hills
The Cats have apparently declared war on the city of Apple Valley, as they took out Apple Valley High last week. Granite Hills is scrappy, but they don't have the firepower to challenge Kaiser.
Kaiser 36, Granite Hills 6

Victor Valley at Elsinore
The Jackrabbits resurgence continued last week with another last-minute win, this time against Norte Vista. But Elsinore on the road is a tough task and I'm not sure if the Jackrabbits will be able to wave their magic wand again.
Elsinore 28, Victor Valley 24

Heritage at Summit
Heritage has been impressive this year, running off 11 wins to grab the No. 3 seed. But player for player, Summit might be the most talented team. I like the SkyHawks to come through with a mild upset.
Summit 30, Heritage 27

Serrano at Ridgecrest Burroughs
Going up to Ridgecrest is a tough task for anyone. But if there's any team that can handle it, its' the Diamondbacks. The Serrano D is playing at a high level, which should be the difference.
Serrano 17, Burroughs 9

East Valley Division

Paraclete 42, Grace Brethren 24

St. Margaret's at Big Bear
This has already been played, with St. Margaret's prevailing 17-6.

Twentynine Palms at Sierra Canyon
The Wildcats were impressive in rolling over Sage Hill, but going out to the San Fernando Valley from the High Desert is a lot to ask. Sierra Canyon will pull away late in this one.
Sierra Canyon 34, Twentynine Palms 16

Rubidoux at Yucca Valley
The Trojans pulled off the shocker of the playoffs, heading to San Bernardino and shocking No. 2 Aquinas. Now they face a Rubidoux team that they tied in September. I think Cinderella has another dance after this one.
Yucca Valley 20, Rubidoux 18

Now off to the Eastern Division, where the game is "Catch Kaiser if you can."

Apple Valley at No. 1 Kaiser
If I'm the Sun Devils, I'm pretty bitter right about now. While Apple Valley's 5-5 record wasn't ground-breaking, the Sun Devils are hardly the worst team and shouldn't be the sacrificial lamb to the undefeated Cats. But that's precisely what they are. Apple Valley is intriguing on offense, but Kaiser has murdered people all year and will do the same tomorrow.
Kaiser 45, Apple Valley 6

Granite Hills at Beaumont
Granite Hills, which lost to Apple Valley in the regular season and had the exact same league record and finish in league as the Sun Devils, got a winnable draw, at least for the first round, as Beaumont isn't exactly a dominating opponents. But the Mountain Pass League champs are good and will win a low-scoring, hard-hitting duel.
Beaumont 14, Granite Hills 12

Norte Vista at Victor Valley
This is a rough draw for the Jackrabbits, as Norte Vista's grind-it-out, ball-control style netted it a trip to the semifinals a year ago. You can bet that the Braves will rely on Ryan Ruiz to play keep away from Victor's potent offense. However, the Jackrabbits took a huge step in beating Burroughs for the Desert Sky League title last week and that confidence will carry over.
Victor Valley 24, Norte Vista 16

Oak Hills at No. 4 Elsinore
The continuation of the Bulldogs' building process has Oak Hills in a tough spot, as the Bulldogs didn't get much respect for being the No. 2 team in their league. Elsinore held it own in recent years in the Central Division, advancing to the finals in 2006, and will be a tough go of it. Marshaun Coprich and Jeremiah Armstead will have success, but not quite enough.
Elsinore 26, Oak Hills 17

Silverado at No. 3 Heritage
If there was any proof necessary to validate the theory that tough nonleague schedules mean something, it came with the selection of 5-4-1 Silverado to the playoffs over 7-3 San Jacinto. The Hawks' philosophy of taking on all comers worked once again, albeit in a different way than normal. However, a 10-0 Heritage team is a tough draw for the Hawks, who just don't have the guns this year for a long run.
Heritage 34, Silverado 20

West Valley at Summit
West Valley has been a playoff underachiever recently, getting bounced in the first round as a higher seed in each of the last three years. They don't have to worry about that, as they'll be the clear underdogs against a Summit team with the best skill-position talent in the division. Summit is prone to lapses, but if the SkyHawks are on, this will get ugly quick.
Summit 38, West Valley 6

Ridgecrest Burroughs 35, Citrus Hill 30

Temescal Canyon at No. 2 Serrano
Kaiser is getting the hype in this division, and for good reason, but seasonal progression indicates that it's the year of the Diamondback. Serrano has gone from losing in the first round (2006) to the quarters (2007) to the semis (2008) to the championship game last year (2009). So the logical progression is a title. While that may not happen, a comfortable win over Temescal Canyon will.
Serrano 28, Temescal Canyon 7

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

A couple of significant volleyball tournaments will take place this weekend as Redlands East Valley and Ayala host tournaments for teams looking to cram for playoff play in a couple of weeks.

The 2009 REV Volleyball Classic -- a one-day, 12-team tourney on Saturday -- will feature the Wildcats, the No. 1 team in the most recent CIF-SS Division II-AA polls. Along with Redlands East Valley, the field includes Sultana, Yucaipa and several teams from Riverside County, most notably Division 2-A No. 1 Wildomar Elsinore and 3-AA No. 3 Palm Springs. Action starts at 8 a.m. with three four-team pools - pool A (Elsinore, Riverside Poly, Sultana, Yucaipa), pool B (REV, Temecula Chaparral, Riverside King, Paloma Valley) and pool C (Palm Springs, Corona, Temescal Canyon, Norco).

The Bulldog Classic at Ayala will take place Friday and Saturday. Joining the host Bulldogs will be Rancho Cucamonga -- the No. 9 team in Division 1-A -- and San Andreas League leader Cajon.

Well, the regular season ended with me going 23-3 overall, giving me a wicked awesome record of 206-48-4. I know, I'm the man, but the playoffs are the true measure of manhood. So we'll break them up to give everyone extra-special attention, starting with the Central Division. And in friendly competition with Clay Fowler, I'll add my complete division picks at the bottom.

Colton at No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga
If I'm Rancho, I'm furious at this matchup. Not necessarily because Colton is great - this isn't a vintage Yellowjacket team - but because preparing for the double-wing is annoying. It's not run very often and its almost impossible for the JV or scout team to simulate. Except some hiccups early from unfamiliarity, Rancho should control this game though.
Rancho Cucamonga 28, Colton 16

Wildomar Elsinore at No. 2 Los Osos
I know that Elsinore went to the title game two years ago and lost to Colony. I know they are south of here. Besides that, I don't know much about them. I know Los Osos can score with Richard Brehaut and Arby Fields and they can defend better than usual. It's the latter which will allow Osos to pull away.
Los Osos 27, Elsinore 10

Etiwanda at No. 4 Cajon
The San Andreas League champion against an at-large. Easy win right? Not so fast. I think this may be the most entertaining game involving local teams in any division, as the Angel Santiago experience will be matchup up with Walter Kazee, Marlon Pollard and his Cajon buddies. This game is pretty big for the SAL's morale, as a loss to the No. 4 Baseline team would be a rough one to swallow. Cajon will gut past a tough-luck Etiwanda squad.
Cajon 34, Etiwanda 31

Colony at Ayala
Colony isn't exactly rolling coming into the playoffs, losing to Chaffey and Ontario down the stretch. But they are the two-time Central champions, which should mean something, even though the Central Division is infinitely better than it was when Colony won. The Titans have talent and will fight, but Ayala will be too much. I'm boring with these picks I know.
Ayala 23, Colony 14

San Gorgonio at Chino Hills
It's almost like I've seen this game before. Oh wait, I have. Actually, I didn't see the 42-20 Huskies win in person, but I seriously enough has changed to drastically alter the result. San G has won five of six since then, but Chino Hills has too much talent and balance.
Chino Hills 31, San Gorgonio 16

Ontario at Paloma Valley
I want to pick an upset. I really do - I almost feel its my duty as a blogger to pick a ridiculous upset, then take the prerequisite ribbing once that pick goes completely to waste. You see where I'm going here. Ontario is scrappy under QB Herman Huezo and will pull the shocker. I guess.
Ontario 18, Paloma Valley 16

Upland at Chaffey
I guess I could have been extremely lame and called this my upset, saying that Upland's No. 3 seed in the Baseline and being on the road is probable cause for calling this an upset. But I'm not going to insult your intelligence any more than I already have. Chaffey's physical running game might do some things early, but Upland has way too much firepower.
Upland 30, Chaffey 12

Other game of note that I'm not writing about because the teams aren't in the County:
Glendora 28, No. 3 Hemet West Valley 24

Quarterfinals
No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga over Ontario
Ayala over No. 4 Cajon
Upland over Glendora
Chino Hills over No. 2 Los Osos

Semifinals
No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga over Ayala
Upland over Chino Hills

Finals
No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga over Upland