Recently in Upland High School Category

I was at the Southern California Shootout at Azusa Pacific, with some very intriguing games involving county boys basketball teams.

First, I arrived for the end of the Chino Hills-Upland game, which went into overtime tied 50-50. Myles Pearson went 6-for-6 from the line in the final minute of overtime, snapping a 53-53 tie en route to a 59-53 Upland win.

Next, it was Bloomington Christian and coach Danny Fuller facing his former JV high school coach Mike LeDuc of Glendora. Bloomington Christian, from 5AA, represented itself well, but ultimately came up short, losing 57-46 to the 2A Tartans.

Then it was a wild-and-woolly game between Colony and Santa Maria Righetti. Colony's offense was way off in the first half and the Titans trailed 33-22 at halftime. They picked it up in the second half, and got to within 69-66 in the final minute before Righetti held on for a 77-71 victory. So there were 55 points scored combined in the first half and 93 combined in the second half.

Next was the marquee game of the event, Etiwanda and Damien. Two years ago the same teams played in the same event at APU, and Etiwanda won it on a shot at the buzzer.

This time, Damien led for most of the first half and was ahead 25-23 at halftime. Etiwanda's defense went from very good to stifling in the second half. Damien went more than six minutes from late in the second quarter to the third quarter without scoring a point and Etiwanda began the second half with a 14-0 run. The Eagles never really looked back (Damien never got closer than 9 points) and sophomore Jordan McLaughlin scored 15 of his 27 points in the second half of a 64-45 Etiwanda victory.

Some of the county's best basketball teams are playing in one-day events the next two weekends: Jan. 28 at the SoCal Shootout at Azusa Pacific University and Feb. 3-4 in the Nike Extravaganza at Mater Dei.

I don't have the SoCal Shootout Schedule yet, but here is the one for Mater Dei:

Friday Feb. 3
3:00pm Fairmont Prep (Boys) vs Laguna Blanca (Boys)
4:30pm Rialto (Girls) vs Rosary (Girls)
6:00pm Orange Lutheran (Girls) vs Oaks Christian (Girls)
7:30pm Mater Dei (Boys) vs St. John Bosco (Boys)
9:00pm Mater Dei (Girls) vs Winward (Girls)

Saturday, Feb. 4
Boys Morning Session
9:00am Upland vs Los Alamitos
10:20am Colony vs JSerra
11:40am Ocean View vs Mission Viejo

Boys Evening Session
1:30pm Fairfax vs Eisenhower
3:00pm Westchester vs Capistrano Valley
4:30pm Taft vs Loyola
6:00pm Long Beach Poly vs Orange Lutheran
7:30pm Mater Dei vs La Verne Lutheran
9:00pm Bishop Gorman vs Whitney Young (IL)

Sun Top 10

1. Redlands East Valley (0-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Compton Dominguez (0-1).

2. Upland (1-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. San Bernardino, 63-14. Up next: Thursday at Tustin (1-0).

3. Rancho Cucamonga (1-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Silverado, 52-0. Up next: Friday vs. Temecula Great Oak (1-0).

4. Cajon (1-0)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Temecula Chaparral, 30-14. Up next: Friday vs. Eisenhower (1-0).

5. Serrano (1-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Paraclete, 7-6. Up next: Friday at Silverado (0-1).

6. Redlands (1-0)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Apopka (Fla.) Wekiva, 21-7. Up next: Friday vs. No. 8 Summit (0-1).

7. Etiwanda (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Summit, 49-36. Up next: Friday vs. Vista Murrieta (0-0).

8. Summit (0-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to Etiwanda, 49-36. Up next: Friday at No. 6 Redlands (1-0).

9. Kaiser (0-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Barstow (0-1).

10. Yucaipa (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Oak Park, 52-0. Up next: Friday at Moreno Valley Canyon Springs (0-1).

Just missed the cut: Chino (1-0), San Gorgonio (0-0), Chino Hills (0-1).

Dropped out: No. 4 Colton (0-1), No. 7 Chino Hills (0-1).

1. Redlands East Valley
The Wildcats had an uncharacteristically early exit from the playoffs last year, but they went undefeated in the Citrus Belt League with a junior-dominated team. Fifteen returning starters, many of whom play in the trenches, and depth at the skill positions made the Wildcats my No. 1 pick. How quarterback Austin Decoud matures could make the difference between a short and a long playoff run.

2. Upland
The Highlanders ran into the Corona Centennial freight train in the playoffs last year, but there is a lot coming back to Upland. Wide receiver Kenny Lawler, a soft commit to Arizona State, is the top recruit in the county while running back Donta Abron is also legit. The Highlanders should also be legit on defense, led by defensive end Christian Pwwell, should be salty as well.

3. Summit
I was tempted to put the SkyHawks No. 1, as they return 13 starters from a team that went to the Eastern Division championship game. Only reason I didn't is because I want to see how the Summit compensates for the loss of Devon Blackmon and Montigo Alford from the offense. That being said, there's a lot of talent here and this may be the year which Kaiser's hold on the Sunkist League is broken.

4. Colton
The one team to win a CIF title last year, the Yellowjackets lose a lot of studs from last year's team, namely RB Tyler Irvin and all-everything LB Devan Hussey. But Colton is well-coached, reloads extremely well and has the size to ram the ball down people's throats as it loves to do. Colton might not play to this ranking early, but I wouldn't want to mess with the Yellowjackets come November.

5. Rancho Cucamonga
They may be three spots removed from Upland in these rankings, but the difference between the Cougars and Highlanders is razor thin. Rancho returns a host of starters and contributors from last year's Inland Division semifinalist. If they can find a workhorse offensively to replace Sateki Finau, they could easily switch spots with Upland in these rankings.

6. Cajon
The Cowboys were a failed 2-point conversion away from possibly being a CIF champion last year, as they lost to Colton in a Central Division semifinal classic. The Cowboys actually won the SAL last year and led by WR/DB Damontae Kazee, have the personnel for a repeat. Cajon tends to start slow but come November, I expect this team to be a beast.

7. Chino Hills
The Huskies gave Corona Centennial a better game than anyone else in Southern California could last year, losing to them in a relatively-close semifinal game. They do lose some big-time players in WR/DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, RB Nate Harris and DE Auston Johnson, but Chino Hills has gotten to a point in its program where it just reloads. Don't sleep on the Huskies.

8. Serrano
The Diamondbacks are one of the most consistent high-achieving programs in the county, as they've won 11 Mojave River League championships since 1997 and have been to the semifinals or better the last three seasons. Serrano has a host of RBs and a deep, experienced offensive line. If they can get some typical D-back production out of a young defense, they could be a dark horse CIF title contender.

9. Redlands
The Terriers lost a heart-breaker to Redlands East Valley last year in what was a prime opportunity to win their first league title since 2006. Redlands will be younger this year, as the Terriers are depending on a host of juniors, but will be physical and hard-nosed as always. Senior WR/DB/QB Mike Stallone is the player to watch for Redlands. If they can keep him involved, they'll be dangerous.

10. Kaiser
It feels weird to put the Cats this low and this is something I could easily regret in a couple of months. But Kaiser was ravaged by graduation after a wonderful 12-1 season last year, losing 18 of 22 starters. The Cats seemed to replace quality with quality and will probably produce another physical, hard-hitting behemoth, but their youth, combined with Summit, puts me in a wait-and-see mode.

As far as teams that barely missed the cut, San Gorgonio was a tough omission. They played as well as anyone in the county last year to finish second in the SAL, but I need to see how Monroe Offield handles things at QB before moving them in. Chino lost quite a bit of talent from its 11-1 season, but returns QB Sean Molles and RB Xavier Browne and looks to be the favorite in the Mt. Baldy League. Etiwanda should be as exciting as ever, with senior QB Larry Cutbirth and senior LB Chandler Scott returning.

Upland wide receiver Kenny Lawler, Miller linebacker Reshawn Hooker and Colony athlete Bryan Harper were all named to Rivals.com's California top 100 when the website released its rankings Tuesday. Lawler was the highest ranked of the three at No. 32, as he is rated a four-star on Rivals. Lawler verbally committed to Arizona State in February but is considered a soft commitment to the Sun Devils as this point, as he is listening to offers from the likes of UCLA, Colorado, Nebraska, Washington, Oregon State, SMU and Arizona.

Hooker, a three-star linebacker, checks in at No. 49. He comes to Miller from Arroyo Valley High School, where he earned third-team All-Sun honors a year ago. Hooker currently has 11 offers from the likes of Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State, Nevada, Purdue, San Jose State, UCLA and Washington State.

Harper, who transferred to Colony from Carter in the offseason, was ranked No. 94 by Rivals. The three-star athlete, who was a quarterback last year for the Lions, committed to Washington June 28 over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Colorado State, Montana and New Mexico State.

These will be played Wednesday, with finals set for Saturday at the Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine.

Division 4
No. 3 Los Osos vs. No. 2 Dana Hills, 2:30 p.m., Woollett Aquatic Center
Upland vs. No. 1 Harvard-Westlake, 4 p.m., Woollett Aquatic Center

Division 5
No. 3 Crescenta Valley vs. No. 2 Temescal Canyon, 6 p.m., Mt. SAC, Walnut
No. 4 Bonita vs. No. 1 Redlands East Valley, 7:30 p.m., Mt. SAC

Division 7
No. 3 Cajon vs. No. 2 Santa Ana Valley, 4 p.m., Costa Mesa HS
Katella vs No. 1 Garden Grove, 5:30 p.m., Costa Mesa HS

Even though National Signing Day for the football class of 2011 was only two weeks ago, 2012 recruiting is going at full force, with Upland wide receiver Kenny Lawler making a verbal commitment to Arizona State Monday according to Rivals.com and Scout.com.

Lawler, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound incoming senior, led the Highlanders in receiving a year ago with 42 receptions for 887 yards and nine touchdowns. He joins Osahon Irabor, a 2009 Upland graduate who started the second half of this past season at cornerback as a redshirt freshman, in Tempe.

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

I love this time of year, as the weather gets colder and the hitting gets harder. Which makes me sad that the CIF is thinking of moving the Linfield Christian-Big Bear game Saturday to Lucerne Valley because of snow. I understand the safety concerns Linfield might have of traveling up and down the mountain, but I fail to see how transitioning those concerns from Linfield to Big Bear, which has to travel up and down the mountain to get to Lucerne Valley, is productive in any way. Plus, I love football in the snow.

With that off my chest, on to the predictions starting with the Inland Division.

INLAND DIVISION
Yucaipa at No. 1 Corona Centennial
The forecast here is for pain for Yucaipa. I feel bad for the Thunderbirds, as Justin Price did a wonderful job leading Yucaipa to the playoffs in his first year as coach. But Centennial is playing on a level that's nationally elite right now and I have a hard time seeing Yucaipa holding them below 60 points.
Centennial 63, Yucaipa 13

Chaparral at Upland
The defending Inland champions take on last year's Central Division champions in what should be a good one. Chaparral's record looks weak at 4-6, but the Pumas finished second in a tough Southwestern League and played a ridiculous nonleague state. Upland is too smart to overlook Chaparral, but they'll be surprised by the intensity and physicality that the Pumas possess.
Chaparral 24, Upland 17

Etiwanda at Redlands East Valley
This is where I'll be tomorrow and quite frankly, I'm looking forward to it. it's a battle of strengths, as Etiwanda's explosive offense takes on REV's stifling defense. If REV can be attacked defensively, its in the secondary, which makes it imperative that the Wildcats get a pass rush on Eagle QB Larry Cutbirth. REV's offense doesn't get much pub, but it'll be good enough to win.
Redlands East Valley 27, Etiwanda 21

Corona at No. 4 Chino Hills
This is a potentially tricky first-round matchup for the Huskies, as Corona is talented and athletic. But Chino Hills has added an explosive offense to what was already a stout defense. The Huskies woke up in Sierra League play and are more than capable of playing in a shootout, but I think they'll slow Corona down enough to where that won't be necessary.
Chino Hills 35, Corona 20

Murrieta Valley at No. 3 Rancho Cucamonga
After six Central Division playoff wins during the last two years, the Cougars are moving into the Inland Division with a posh seed and a tough first-round matchup. However, the Rancho offense has been rounding into form during the Baseline League season and should be a little too potent for the Nighthawks.
Rancho Cucamonga 34, Murrieta Valley 30

Roosevelt 42, Claremont 24

Norco at Redlands
This should be a dandy, as these two teams faced each other in the 2006 semifinals. Norco is more versatile than usual, as they have the throwing ability of freshman QB Colt Gerhart (yes, there's another one) to go along with the explosiveness of Stanford-committed RB Kelsey Young. The Redlands defense is pretty stout and will battle, but I think Norco has a few too many weapons.
Norco 28, Redlands 17

No. 2 Vista Murrieta 45, Charter Oak 14

Doing this a day earlier than normal, as several county teams are pulling a Conference USA and playing on a Wednesday. Only dropped five games last week, which is tied with my high performance of the season to date. We'll see if I get any smarter this week.

Redlands East Valley at Miller
With Miller's upset at Redlands last week, this game is now for the Citrus Belt League title. These teams have played classics the last three years, with each game going down to the final minute. If the good Miller shows up and stays for a while, this game could very well be the same. I'll be out to see this game Thursday and I expect a close game that goes to be more even-tempered team - which is REV.
Redlands East Valley 21, Miller 14

Upland at Los Osos
The tide in this series turned in 2008, when Upland smacked down the Grizzlies in the CIF semifinals to end a sizable losing streak to Los Osos. The Highlanders have added two more wins since, including a CIF championship win last December. A Los Osos win would put the Baseline on tilt, as Upland, Los Osos and Etiwanda would have to flip for two spots behind Rancho Cucamonga. An Upland win would make things nice and easy. We like nice and easy.
Upland 28, Los Osos 24

Ridgecrest Burroughs at Victor Valley
It very well could be feast or famine for the Jackrabbits. If they defeat Burroughs at home, Victor Valley will be the Desert Sky League champions and the No. 1 seed out of the league going into the playoffs. A loss could send them into a three-way tie for second with Silverado and Granite Hills and a resulting coin flip. While Victor Valley is in good shape for the at-large, it wouldn't mind not going down that road. But it might have to, as I see Burroughs winning.
Burroughs 30, Victor Valley 17

Carter at Arroyo Valley
The SAL is nice and simple, as the top three playoff spots are set with seeding locked in and this game settling the No. 4 spot. Carter is extremely close to being undefeated, losing to Cajon and San G by one score and Colton in overtime. Arroyo Valley, meanwhile, wasn't really close in any of its games against the Big 3. While the transitive property is dangerous to use to predict games, I feel as if Carter is a bit more equipped for this game.
Carter 21, Arroyo Valley 13

Summit at Norte Vista
The SkyHawks gave Kaiser all it could handle last week, actually having the top-ranked Cats behind in the fourth quarter before relenting and losing 19-7. Now can Summit shake off a possible letdown and get its first second-place finish in league? Norte Vista is physical and will try to pound the Cats. A first-round home playoff game is at stake, which should be enough for Summit to overcome any thoughts of regret from last week.
Summit 28, Norte Vista 22

Apple Valley at Oak Hills
Another game between teams jostling for seeding happens in the Mojave River League, as Oak Hills wants to cement its first season in league with a solid second-place finish. Apple Valley has been erratic at times, struggling to put away Sultana last week to clinch the playoff spot. The Bulldogs piledrove Hesperia last week and should take care of the Sun Devils this week.
Oak Hills 27, Apple Valley 14

Big Bear at Twentynine Palms
This is another league-title showdown, as the Wildcats will try to capture their fourth straight De Anza title by beating the Bears on their home turf. I expect this game to be a dandy, as the Bears' option attack is being executed in tip-top form with junior quarterback Zakk Planz while the Wildcats have profited from the bruising running of fullback Chris Fuifui. However, I like the Bears here in a mild upset.
Big Bear 24, Twentynine Palms 22

Ontario at Colony
I could write a dissertation on the Mt. Baldy League playoff situation and still not explain it correctly. However, I'm going to defer to my colleague Clay Fowler on this, as I would probably turn myself crosseyed trying to explain how a five-way tie at 2-4 for two playoff spots (which is mathematically possible) could work. This game could contribute to that chaos, as Ontario is one of four teams at 2-3 playing a Colony team that has its spot already set. Colony could be nice, let the Jaguars win and save us all from grief, but it won't.
Colony 34, Ontario 14

Ayala at Chino Hills
This battle of Chino Hills typically has huge implications riding on it but really doesn't this year, at least for Ayala, as the Bulldogs are long since eliminated from the playoffs. Chino Hills could still sneak out with a Sierra League title, as South Hills' upset of Claremont last week opened up that door just a tad. The Huskies still need Claremont to lose to Damien for a league title to happen, but they'll do their part tonight.
Chino Hills 38, Ayala 6

Ontario Christian at Arrowhead Christian
With only two teams automatically making the playoffs out of the Ambassador League, Ontario Christian is in a precarious spot. Aquinas and Linfield Christian have the two spots locked up, which leaves the 3-6 Knights, who made the East Valley finals a year ago, scrambling for an at-large. How does this game with ACA factor in? Well, a few style points wouldn't hurt, so I expect Ontario Christian to put a hurting on the Eagles and hope for the best on Sunday.
Ontario Christian 44, ACA 10

Other games of note
Aquinas 48, Western Christian 14
Rancho Cucamonga 38, Glendora 13
Etiwanda 65, Alta Loma 7
Redlands 49, Fontana 6
Yucaipa 38, Eisenhower 10
Yucca Valley 45, Shadow Hills 0
Silverado 28, Barstow 6
Serrano 42, Hesperia 0
Chino 49, Don Lugo 20
Montclair 26, Chaffey 22
Rim of the World 56, Jurupa Hills 12
Riverside Notre Dame 45, Citrus Valley 9
Colton 28, Rialto 7
San Gorgonio 62, Pacific 14
Cajon 55, San Bernardino 12
Kaiser 43, Bloomington 6
Granite Hills 16, Sultana 6

Last week: 26-5
Overall: 226-78-3

Redlands falls after being upset, also creating a potential Citrus Belt League playoff logjam in the process. Upland also returns after a one-week hiatus.

Sun Top 10

1. Kaiser (9-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. No. 10 Summit, 19-7. Up next: Thursday at Bloomington (4-5).

2. Chino Hills (7-2)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Covina Charter Oak, 29-22. Up next: Thursday vs. Ayala (4-5).

3. Redlands East Valley (7-2)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Yucaipa, 22-0. Up next: Thursday at Miller (5-4).

4. Rancho Cucamonga (8-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Etiwanda, 34-21. Up next: Thursday at Glendora (5-4).

5. Serrano (8-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Oak Hills, 31-9. Up next: Friday vs. Hesperia (1-8).

6. Chino (9-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Ontario, 47-13. Up next: Friday vs. Don Lugo (3-6).

7. Cajon (7-2)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Carter, 21-13. Up next: Friday vs. San Bernardino (3-6).

8. Upland (6-3)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Glendora, 41-14. Up next: Friday at Los Osos (5-4).

9. Redlands (6-2-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: lost to Miller, 10-7. Up next: Thursday at Fontana (0-9).

10. Summit (6-2-1)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: lost to No. 1 Kaiser, 19-7. Up next: Friday at Riverside Norte Vista (5-4).

Just missed the cut: San Gorgonio (5-4), Colton (6-3), Aquinas (8-1).

Dropped out: No. 9 Colton (6-3).

If you love cross country -- and I'm sure there are many of you who do - Mt. San Antonio College is the place to be the next two Saturdays, Nov. 13 and 20.
The CIF-SS released the heat sheets for the CIF Prelims Nov. 13. In all, there will be 33 races, beginning at 7:45 a.m. and the last one beginning at 4:05 p.m. There will be a county team or individual competing in 31 of 33 races. It was also announced on Saturday that the Aquinas and Western Christian boys teams were selected as at-large teams in Division 5 based on their rankings.

Here are some races to keep an eye on:
Race 5, Boys Division 2, 8:43 a.m.
Ayala and Sultana, two schools better known for their girls teams, also have solid boys teams in search of the CIF Finals.
Race 24, Boys Division 1, 2:06 p.m.
Former Citrus Belt League rivals Rialto and Redlands East Valley will battle. Rialto won the San Andreas League this year, while REV was a close second to Yucaipa in the CBL.
Race 26, Boys Division 1, 2:33 p.m.
This one has five county teams in it. State ranked Rancho Cucamonga is there, as is CBL champion and defending state qualifier Yucaipa. Redlands, third in the CBL is there as is Chaffey, Upland and Christian Navarro of Los Osos.
Race 31, Girls Division 1, 3:38 p.m.
Two of the top teams in the county, Rancho Cucamonga and Redlands will be represented as will Los Osos and Rialto.

I regressed to nonleague form this past week, missing five of the 10 feature games and nine games overall. I'm not proud of what I've done and how I've acted. Let's move on amicably.

Upland at Rancho Cucamonga
This game is kind of a big deal. People know these teams, as they are the last two Central Division champions and are undefeated in league coming in. This matchup has gone Rancho's way in recent history, as the Cougars have won three in a row over Upland, including that CIF championship victory in 2008. I think the Cougars are a bit more complete of a unit right now. In a month, Upland might be better, but I'll take Rancho now and feel decent about it.
Rancho Cucamonga 31, Upland 27

Serrano at Oak Hills
This is the game in the Mojave River League, with Serrano being the big kid on the block and Oak Hills being the unafraid new kid. The Bulldogs threw it in my face last week, not only proving me wrong for picking Victor Valley, but ripping the Jackrabbits a new one. I'll be at this game tomorrow - my inaugural Oak Hills football game - and I'm looking forward to seeing what the Bulldogs have, though I don't think it'll be enough.
Serrano 28, Oak Hills 17

Kaiser at Norte Vista
Another week, another Kaiser shut out, its fifth of the season. The Cats pretty much suck all the anticipation out of games by just beating the living heck out of every team they play. Norte Vista, with its 2-0 league record and physical running game featuring junior running back Ryan Ruiz, won't be intimidated by the Cats. But intimidated or not, Kaiser is on a roll right now and doesn't look to be stopped this week.
Kaiser 38, Norte Vista 6

Yucaipa at Miller
This is expected to decide the third playoff spot out of the Citrus Belt League eventually, though Miller is tied with REV with a 2-0 league mark. Both of these teams have extremely dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, with Yucaipa's Dylan Malone and Miller's Eric Shufford making this a potentially entertaining game. The Rebels are a bit more battle-tested and a year further along in their system, factors which will come to play in what should be a good battle.
Miller 31, Yucaipa 20

Cajon at Arroyo Valley
The Cowboys come into this matchup with their swag on 10, as they went into Colton and won a huge game to take control of the San Andreas League race. But Cajon would be advised not to take this game lightly. Arroyo Valley's offense has scuffled against most defenses with a pulse but their defense will keep this game relatively uncomfortable. I see the Cowboys winning, but not without an early scare.
Cajon 20, Arroyo Valley 14

Linfield Christian at Aquinas
The newbies from Linfield Christian have made a name for themselves in the Ambassador League, knocking off Ontario Christian last week to set up this showdown with Aquinas. Since losing to Desert Hot Springs in the opener, the Falcons have rolled off six wins in a row, ascending to No. 3 in the East Valley polls. Linfield is a quality opponent, but Aquinas has things on lock this year.
Aquinas 28, Linfield Christian 12

Granite Hills at Ridgecrest Burroughs
The Cougars threw a monkey wrench into the Desert Sky League race last week, pulling off the 8-6 upset over Silverado to move to 2-0 in league. For a school that hasn't had much success to speak of, this is pretty heady position going into the matchup with the league favorites. So can Granite pull this off two weeks in a row? It's defense has been awesome, but defending the Burros and third-year starting QB Derrick Dison might be a bit more difficult.
Burroughs 21, Granite Hills 12

Silverado at Apple Valley
The High Desert gets a high amount of love this week, as the aforementioned Hawks come into this nonleague matchup pretty ticked off. Not only because of the loss to Granite Hills, but the matchup with the Sun Devils, who whipped them in the playoffs last year. Both these teams should ultimately be in the playoffs, making this a possible preview. I think Silverado is going to be a little more annoyed and pull this out.
Silverado 24, Apple Valley 21

Chino at Montclair
I'm officially on the Chino bandwagon. I've wondered all year if the Cowboys were a mirage caused by a weak schedule, but Chino's whipping of Colony definitely convinced me otherwise. Plus I like the prospect of a player named Promise Amadi being in headlines in our paper. Opens up a ton of possiblities. Montclair has been surprising in going 4-3, but the Cavaliers don't have the horses to stay in this game.
Chino 45, Montclair 10

Los Osos at Etiwanda
Start with the Baseline, end with the Baseline. The loser of this game finds themselves in a pretty untenable position in a brutal league, as they'd be 1-2 and have to play one of the top two before the season ends. So yeah, this game is kind of big. Etiwanda might have the most potent offense in the county, but its defense gives up points almost as fast as its offense scores them. Los Osos will make enough stops to win this donnybrook.
Los Osos 36, Etiwanda 34

Other games of note:
Summit 56, Jurupa Valley 0
Ontario Christian 27, Western Christian 16
Glendora 38, Alta Loma 7
Redlands 45, Eisenhower 0
Redlands East Valley 49, Fontana 6
Big Bear 43, Shadow Hills 7
Twentynine Palms 38, Desert Mirage 0
Desert Hot Springs 30, Yucca Valley 15
Victor Valley 28, Barstow 6
Hesperia 17, Sultana 13
Citrus Valley 28, Jurupa Hills 9
Rim of the World 27, Banning 20
Don Lugo 23, Chaffey 18
Ontario 30, Garey 21
Colton 60, Pacific 0
Carter 35, San Bernardino 10
San Gorgonio 20, Rialto 9
Claremont 42, Ayala 14
Chino Hills 31, South Hills 6
Bloomington 20, Patriot 10
Arrowhead Christian 18, Calvary Murrieta 7
Bloomington Christian 26, Saddleback Valley Christian 14

Last week: 21-9
Overall: 175-66-3

Some reshuffling here as Cajon surges back in the poll for the first time since Week 0.

Sun Top 10

1. Kaiser (7-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Riverside Patriot, 49-0. Up next: Friday at Riverside Norte Vista (4-3).

2. Chino Hills (5-2)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Damien, 42-7. Up next: Friday vs. West Covina South Hills (2-5).

3. Redlands East Valley (5-2)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Eisenhower, 48-12. Up next: Friday at Fontana (0-7).

4. Redlands (5-1-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Yucaipa, 23-13. Up next: Friday vs. Eisenhower (0-7).

5. Rancho Cucamonga (6-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 43-0. Up next: Friday vs. No. 7 Upland (5-2).

6. Serrano (6-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Sultana, 56-7. Up next: Friday at Oak Hills (5-2).

7. Upland (5-2)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Etiwanda, 53-34. Up next: Friday at No. 5 Rancho Cucamonga (6-1).

8. Chino (7-0)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Colony, 49-20. Up next: Friday at Montclair (4-3).

9. Cajon (5-2)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. No. 10 Colton, 29-20. Up next: Friday at Arroyo Valley (3-4).

10. Colton (5-2)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: lost to No. 9 Cajon, 29-20. Up next: Friday vs. Pacific (0-7).

Just missed the cut: Summit (5-1-1), Los Osos (4-3), Miller (4-3).

Dropped out: No. 10 Silverado (3-2-1).

Starting to get into a groove now, as I had my best week of the season to date.

Cajon at Colton
This has become the de facto championship game in the San Andreas League and for good reason, as the teams have split the last five league titles and have won seven total since 2000. Needless to say, they are at it again, as both are undefeated in league. It's been a weird season for both, as Colton has become almost pass-happy while Cajon has shown off the double-wing. I think this one will be relatively low scoring, with the home team prevailing.
Colton 20, Cajon 10

Redlands at Yucaipa
The Terriers have the unenviable task of having to recover from a devastating Smudge Pot rivalry loss to Redlands East Valley last week. The schedulemaker didn't do Redlands any favors, as they'll have to play a sneaky-good Yucaipa team with an elite playmaker in quarterback Dylan Malone. The Terriers might be ripe for an upset, but I think they'll pull this one out late.
Redlands 23, Yucaipa 19

Colony at Chino
How real is Chino? That's the million-dollar question heading into this one. The Cowboys have gone from a feeble 0-10 team to a 6-0 juggernaut that is straight pile-driving opponents. However, Chino's opponents haven't exactly been SEC caliber to date. Colony's five-game winning streak has flown under the radar a bit, but the defending champs have a chance to make a splash. And I think they will.
Colony 28, Chino 23

Etiwanda at Upland
If they had odds on this game in Vegas (or on bodog.com) I would take the over because this thing is going to be a track meet. The Eagles have an explosive offense led by the leading passer in the county in Larry Cutbirth, who averages 275 yards per game through the air. Problem is that Etiwanda doesn't really stop anyone on defense. That will prove fatal against the Highlanders, which has a balanced offense and a little more defense.
Upland 44, Etiwanda 36

Oak Hills at Victor Valley
Kind of a slow week in the High Desert, as all the league games pit the haves against the have-nots, but this nonleague tilt has some teeth. Oak Hills has won a lot in its first year-and-a-half, piling up 13 wins, but still doesn't have that signature win over a large-school program. Victor Valley started out firing at 5-0 but lost to Silverado last week and wants to avoid a second-half slide. I think Victor will stem the slide and Oak Hills will still be searching.
Victor Valley 34, Oak Hills 26

Damien at Chino Hills
This game is usually a doozy and should be again this year, as the Huskies come in needing a win pretty badly after falling in a tough league-opener to Claremont this week. Damien came into this year having to overcome some massive personnel losses due to graduation but has equipped itself well, matching Chino Hills' 4-2 record. No one backs Bub into a corner though, as I feel the Huskies will come out swinging.
Chino Hills 23, Damien 9

Kaiser at Patriot
The question this week isn't whether or not Kaiser - the No. 1 team in the Sun, the Daily Bulletin, the Eastern Division and city of Fontana polls - will be Patriot tomorrow. It will. The question, er questions, are how bad and will there be a fifth shutout. I'm answering very bad on the first one and yes on the second. Patriot didn't muster a point against Summit last week - no way its scoring on Kaiser unless the Cats get bored.
Kaiser 48, Patriot 0

Twentynine Palms at Desert Hot Springs
The Wildcats have ruled the De Anza League the last three years, taking the league title each and every year. But DSH has been on an uber roll this season, taking out Aquinas and Rim of the World in the nonleague and grabbing a big win at Big Bear this past weekend. Twentynine Palms is playing pretty well, but the Golden Eagles seem to have some mojo going. That's good enough for me.
Desert Hot Springs 28, Twentynine Palms 18

Rubidoux at Rim of the World
Last week saw the return of Rim of the World running back Dillon Pretzinger from a foot injury. Not coincidentally, it also saw the Fighting Scots look more like the juggernaut that I expected them to be before the season. The table is set for Rim to win the inaugural Mountain Valley League title and while Rubidoux is much improved, I see Rim rolling here.
Rim of the World 28, Rubidoux 13

Glendora at Los Osos
With all respect to the Dallas-Minnesota game this past Sunday I feel that this game is the true "Desperation Bowl". Both of these teams, which came into the season with high expectations, are 0-1 in a three-playoff-berth league and an 0-2 mark would be a sure death sentence in a brutal Baseline in a division with zero at-large berths. So who gets to play the role of a despondent Tony Romo? Unless it goes into overtime, I think Glendora will.
Los Osos 35, Glendora 27

Other games of note:
Rancho Cucamonga 56, Alta Loma 6
Aquinas 40, Calvary Murrieta 0
Linfield Christian 21, Ontario Christian 17
Western Christian 24, Arrowhead Christian 16
Redlands East Valley 61, Eisenhower 12
Miller 38, Fontana 6
Big Bear 27, Yucca Valley 25
Ridgecrest Burroughs 34, Barstow 0
Silverado 26, Granite Hills 10
Apple Valley 38, Hesperia 14
Serrano 38, Sultana 7
Banning 28, Citrus Valley 23
Riverside Notre Dame 50, Jurupa Hills 6
Garey 31, Don Lugo 12
Ontario 27, Montclair 16
Arroyo Valley 45, Pacific 0
Carter 21, Rialto 18
San Gorgonio 36, San Bernardino 13
Banning Twin Pines 26, Bloomington Christian 20
Summit 39, Bloomington 10

Last week: 26-5
Overall: 154-57-3

No. 1 was easy, but everything after it was a headache. I couldn't justify ranking Chino Hills below REV considering they have the same record and the Huskies won the meeting between the two on the road. Not ready to move Rancho Cucamonga past Redlands yet either.

1. Kaiser (6-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Jurupa Valley, 55-0. Up next: Friday at Riverside Patriot (2-4).

2. Chino Hills (4-2)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: lost to Claremont, 31-30. Up next: Friday vs. Damien (4-2).

3. Redlands East Valley (4-2)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. No. 5 Redlands, 24-22. Up next: Friday vs. Eisenhower (0-6).

4. Colton (5-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. San Bernardino, 31-0. Up next: Friday vs. Cajon (4-2).

5. Redlands (4-1-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to No. 3 Redlands East Valley, 24-22. Up next: Friday at Yucaipa (4-2).

6. Rancho Cucamonga (5-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Los Osos, 29-28 (OT). Up next: Thursday vs. Alta Loma (0-6).

7. Serrano (5-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Apple Valley, 41-14. Up next: Friday vs. Sultana (1-5).

8. Upland (4-2)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 56-16. Up next: Friday vs. Etiwanda (3-3).

9. Chino (6-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Garey, 41-14. Up next: Friday vs. Colony (4-2).

10. Silverado (3-2-1)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Victor Valley, 35-20. Up next: Friday at Granite Hills (3-3).

Just missed the cut: Summit (4-1-1), Cajon (4-2), Victor Valley (5-1).

Dropped out: No. 8 Victor Valley (5-1).

Nothing too crazy this past week, as there were a lot of teams resting up for league play.

1. Chino Hills (4-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at Claremont (4-1).

2. Kaiser (4-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Hesperia, 55-14. Up next: Friday vs. Jurupa Valley (1-4).

3. Redlands (4-0-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at No. 5 Redlands East Valley (3-2).

4. Colton (4-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Arroyo Valley, 27-14. Up next: Friday at San Bernardino (3-2).

5. Redlands East Valley (3-2)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: lost to Mission Viejo, 42-14. Up next: Friday vs. No. 3 Redlands (4-0-1).

6. Rancho Cucamonga (4-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at Los Osos (3-2).

7. Serrano (4-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at Apple Valley (3-2).

8. Victor Valley (5-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Riverside Patriot, 35-21. Up next: Friday vs. Silverado (2-2-1).

9. Upland (3-2)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at Alta Loma (0-5).

10. Chino (5-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. El Monte, 40-16. Up next: Thursday vs. Garey (4-2).

Just missed the cut: Silverado (2-2-1), Summit (2-1-1), Los Osos (3-2).

Dropped out: None.

The rankings went into bizarro mode this week. We have our third different No. 1 in as many weeks and a lot of movement.

1. Chino Hills (4-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. No. 4 Redlands East Valley, 14-3. Up next: Oct. 15 at Claremont (4-1).

2. Kaiser (4-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Palm Desert, 47-0. Up next: Friday vs. Hesperia (1-4).

3. Redlands (4-0-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. No. 6 Rancho Cucamonga, 21-13. Up next: Oct. 15 at No. 4 Redlands East Valley (3-1).

4. Redlands East Valley (3-1)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: lost to No. 1 Chino Hills, 14-3. Up next: Friday at Mission Viejo (5-0).

5. Colton (3-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Carter, 21-14 (OT). Up next: Friday at Arroyo Valley (2-2).

6. Rancho Cucamonga (4-1)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: lost to No. 3 Redlands, 21-13. Up next: Oct. 15 at Los Osos (2-2).

7. Serrano (4-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Santa Clarita Golden Valley, 35-14. Up next: Oct. 15 at Apple Valley (3-2).

8. Victor Valley (4-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Sultana, 35-14. Up next: Friday at Riverside Patriot (2-2).

9. Upland (3-2)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to Los Angeles Loyola, 30-13. Up next: Oct. 15 at Alta Loma (0-5).

10. Chino (4-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Chaffey, 47-16. Up next: Friday at El Monte (1-3).

Just missed the cut: Carter (2-1-1), Silverado (2-2-1), Summit (2-1-1).

We got a new No. 1, as Redlands East Valley moves up with a win over Orange Lutheran and Upland's loss to Norco. Rancho Cucamonga continues its ascent as well.

1. Redlands East Valley (3-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Orange Lutheran, 10-6. Up next: Friday vs. No. 4 Chino Hills (3-1).

2. Rancho Cucamonga (4-0)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Covina Charter Oak, 40-28. Up next: Friday at No. 9 Redlands (3-0-1).

3. Upland (3-1)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: lost to Norco, 35-21. Up next: Friday at Los Angeles Loyola (1-3).

4. Chino Hills (3-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Pomona, 48-13. Up next: Friday at No. 1 Redlands East Valley (3-0).

5. Kaiser (3-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Cajon, 35-0. Up next: Friday at Palm Desert (3-1).

6. Colton (2-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Bloomington, 42-6. Up next: Friday vs. Carter (2-0-1).

7. Serrano (3-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Palmdale Highland, 17-14. Up next: Friday vs. Santa Clarita Golden Valley (2-1).

8. Summit (2-0-1)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Silverado (1-2-1).

9. Redlands (3-0-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Carlsbad La Costa Canyon, 23-17. Up next: Friday vs. No. 2 Rancho Cucamonga (4-0).

10. Victor Valley (3-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Apple Valley, 38-30. Up next: Friday vs. Sultana (1-2).

Just missed the cut: Ayala (4-0), Rialto (3-0), Carter (2-0-1).

Dropped out: None.

Did virtually the same this past week as I did the week before. I blame the Mt. Baldy League. I think i'm 2 for 20 on Mt. Baldy predictions.

Redlands East Valley at Orange Lutheran
It's always fun to see county powers go against the elite from other parts of the Southland. REV pulled a fast one on O-Lu last year, scoring two touchdowns in the final minute to pull the shocker. I'm not sure how many players on either team remember it, as both teams have a ton of new starters. It should be a great game though. I expect REV to pull another one out.
Redlands East Valley 17, Orange Lutheran 13

Norco at Upland
Another meeting of the powers, as the No. 3 team in the Inland Division hosts the No. 4 one. It should be an outstanding matchup, as Norco has taken to its new-found spread offense like a duck to water, scoring 74 points in two games, while Upland's new-look defense seems to get better every week. There should be some scoring in this game, as Norco's D will give up points. I think Upland is a bit more experience.
Upland 28, Norco 27

Cajon at Kaiser
Kaiser has been flying under the radar thus far this year, but it won't for year much longer, as the Cats have been straight filthy on defense thus far, giving up six points in two games. Cajon has been uneven, getting worked by Claremont before destroying Eisenhower, but had its bye week last week to work out some kinks. I expect the Cowboys to be competitive, but I'm really liking Kaiser right now.
Kaiser 24, Cajon 9

Victor Valley at Apple Valley
The Bell Game is one of the most hotly-contested games in the High Desert and, recently, one of the most thrilling. The last two meetings between the Jackrabbits and Sun Devils have been decided by a combined four points, with Victor Valley winning by 3 last year and Apple Valley pulling out a one-point win in 2008. I'm heading up there and I'm expecting much of the same, with the host Sun Devils pulling it out late.
Apple Valley 26, Victor Valley 24

Miller at Etiwanda
These teams are a combined 1-5, so why am I featuring this game? Because these teams are a lot better than their record gives them credit for. Etiwanda's three-game stretch of Summit, Vista Murrieta and Norco may be the toughest in the Southland, while Miller hasn't exactly had a picnic with Upland and Carson. Having seen both of these teams in person, it's a coin flip, but I think Miller's D is a little bit better. But not much.
Miller 33, Etiwanda 29

Charter Oak at Rancho Cucamonga
This has been a hard-fought game the last two years and I don't see why it would be any different this year. Charter Oak has equipped itself admirably in the Inland Division thus far, going 2-1, while Rancho Cucamonga is perfect despite having to spend its first three games on the road. It is the first "home" game for Rancho - who doesn't play on campus - and I expect it'll show up well.
Rancho Cucamonga 27, Charter Oak 17

Bloomington at Colton
Although they reside in the same school district, these two teams don't play very often. This could be a surprisingly good game, as Bloomington has looked pretty good in going 2-0 while Colton sputtered quite a bit last week in a 14-3 loss to La Quinta. But I think Colton will be just fine in the home opener, overpowering the Bruins in the second half.
Colton 30, Bloomington 14

San Gorgonio at Yucaipa
This should be a pretty solid game, as both of these teams are in a bit of purgatory. The Spartans are 0-2, but they've had to play Rancho Verde and REV, so its hard to really have a true handle on them. Yucaipa stomped Canyon Springs, only to be stomped by Rancho Verde. I hate using the transitive scores property, but San G was a lot more competitive against Rancho Verde than Yucaipa was. I'll go with that.
San Gorgonio 31, Yucaipa 26

Redlands at Carlsbad La Costa Canyon
The Terriers played arguably the game of the year last week against Los Osos, gutting through a triple-overtime victory against the Grizzlies despite losing their quarterback Jojo Hernandez. I would imagine that Redlands is going to rest Hernandez for this one, which will be a tough one, as La Costa Canyon can ball. I'll go with the home team.
La Costa Canyon 23, Redlands 10

Granite Hills at Rialto
It might be time to start getting on the Knights' bandwagon. Rialto has won three in a row dating pack to last year, including an impressive 28-14 victory at a tough Oak Hills team last week. Granite Hills has been up and down this season and should be an opponent that Rialto can use to build momentum. Look for four in a row from the No. 5 team in the Central Division polls.
Rialto 26, Granite Hills 12

Other games of note:
Diamond Ranch 33, Chaffey 10
Aquinas 35, Shadow Hills 13
Arroyo Valley 28, Eisenhower 7
Ayala 31, Los Altos 20
Twentynine Palms 19, Banning 14
Quartz Hill 27, Barstow 12
Big Bear 37, Western Christian 20
Rim of the World 18, Bishop 14
Bloomington Christian 23, Arrowhead Christian 9
Yucca Valley 24, Calexico 16
Chino 30, Covina Northview 14
Murrieta Mesa 28, Citrus Valley 24
City of Industry Workman 23, Montclair 17
Colony 33, Alta Loma 14
Desert Hot Springs 45, Jurupa Hills 6
Don Lugo 24, Oak Park 14
Fontana 28, San Bernardino 21
Palm Desert 49, Hesperia 13
Ontario Christian 27, Jurupa Valley 22
Oak Hills 29, Lancaster 13
Vista Murrieta 38, Los Osos 16
Carter 27, Norte Vista 23
Chino Hills 31, Pomona 15
Serrano 34, Palmdale Highland 7
Sultana 27, Pacific 20
Silverado 21, Valencia West Ranch 18

Last week: 24-9-1
Overall: 60-28-3

Sun Top 10

1. Upland (3-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. No. 7 Serrano, 14-7. Up next: Friday vs. Norco (2-0).

2. Redlands East Valley (2-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. San Gorgonio, 35-7. Up next: Friday at Orange Lutheran (2-1).

3. Rancho Cucamonga (3-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. San Dimas, 21-10. Up next: Friday vs. Charter Oak (2-1).

4. Chino Hills (2-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Rancho Santa Margarita Tesoro, 14-13. Up next: Friday vs. Pomona (3-0).

5. Kaiser (2-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Riverside North, 28-0. Up next: Friday vs. Cajon (1-1).

6. Colton (1-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to La Quinta, 14-3. Up next: Friday vs. Bloomington (2-0).

7. Serrano (2-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: lost to No. 1 Upland, 14-7. Up next: Friday at Palmdale Highland (0-2).

8. Summit (2-0-1)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Fontana, 51-7. Up next: Oct. 1 vs. Silverado (0-2-1).

9. Redlands (2-0-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Los Osos, 27-20 (3OT). Up next: Friday at Carlsbad La Costa Canyon (2-1).

10. Victor Valley (2-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Hesperia, 42-20. Up next: Friday at Apple Valley (2-1).

Just missed the cut: Ayala (3-0), Los Osos (2-1), Cajon (1-1).

Dropped out: No. 10 Los Osos (2-1).

I did better last week than in Week 0, but I'm still only batting at a 2 out of 3 clip. And this isn't baseball, so that isn't good.

Serrano at Upland
The game of the week, which will be covered by Louis Brewster. Clay Fowler and I were nice to let Lou have this game, because it should be a doozy. The Upland offense looked really good last week against Tustin and will be a challenge for the Serrano D, while running back Taylor Ruize is running wild for Serrano. The Diamondbacks have played Upland tough in the past and will play them tough again, but I gotta stick with the old No. 1 here.
Upland 24, Serrano 19

Los Osos at Redlands
Another entertaining nonleague tilt for Baseline League fans. The Grizzlies have looked good in wins over Colony and Riverside North, while Redlands has scuffled a bit in beating Great Oak and tying a shorthanded Summit team. I have to believe the Terriers will be a little more focused in this game. A win at Los Osos jumpstarted things for Redlands this year and I expect that pattern to hold true again.
Redlands 20, Los Osos 14

San Gorgonio at Redlands East Valley
This is where I'm headed in about an hour, as the Spartans and Wildcats resume their battle for Highland and other unincorporated town. Lost in REV's 56-10 beatdown of San G last year was the fact that the game was actually close, 14-10, for much of the first half. San G also played Rancho Verde tough last week and is improving, but they have a while to get on REV's level.
Redlands East Valley 28, San Gorgonio 9

Arroyo Valley at Miller
While neither of these teams has a win, both have looked good in spurts. It's still unknown whether Arroyo Valley QB Michael Yearwood will have his paperwork done in time for him to be cleared to play, but even with Yearwood, the Hawks will have a tough time against a Miller team that was very tough against Miller and Carson. Picking the Rebels to break through here.
Miller 28, Arroyo Valley 17

Colton at La Quinta
As far as coaching debuts go, it doesn't get much better than what Rick Bray did last weekend at Chaffey, as he led the Yellowjackets to a 55-8 victory. La Quinta will be a tougher test than the Tigers were, but this Colton team has the look of something special. The Yellowjackets traditionally play well in the Low Desert and there's nothing out there to suggest they won't tomorrow.
Colton 30, La Quinta 16

Kaiser at Riverside North
There aren't many programs in this area that can claim superiority over the Cats, who are consistently in the hunt. However, they are playing one of them. North has had Kaiser's number, winning six times over the Cats in the last four years. Usually I hate to bet against streaks but I have a good feeling about this Kaiser group. I'm expecting the streak to end in a doozy.
Kaiser 20, North 18

Rancho Cucamonga at San Dimas
The Cougars love the road apparently, as this is their third road trip in as many weeks. Rancho has looked great in its first two, winning decisively against Silverado and Great Oak and should be battle-tested enough to handle the Saints. San Dimas is a defending CIF champion, but the disparity in CIF divisions will be evident here.
Rancho Cucamonga 38, San Dimas 16

Granite Hills at Apple Valley
The Cougars put this crosstown rivalry on its ear last year, defeating Apple Valley in a thriller. After a win against Hesperia last week, a repeat of that victory could have Granite off and running and a threat in a wide-open Desert Sky League. A young Apple Valley team will be made well aware of its loss last year and will get revenge for it in another classic.
Apple Valley 24, Granite Hills 21

Silverado at Carter
The first two weeks haven't gone well for the Hawks, as they've been outscored 64-17. Of course, playing Rancho Cucamonga and Serrano will tend to make you look worse than you are. Carter rolled in its opener, clocking Alta Loma 51-7, but Silverado is a much tougher animal. And I expect the Hawks to be clicking a lot better offensively this week.
Silverado 24, Carter 18

Rancho Santa Margarita Tesoro at Chino Hills
The highly-regarded Huskies had a pretty big hiccup last week, losing 24-12 to a good-but-not-great Santiago team. Now they'll have their hands full with a Tesoro team that's one of the toughest in Southern California. This would be a big win for Chino Hills, but I don't think it has the guns to stick with Tesoro.
Tesoro 27, Chino Hills 14.

Other games of note:

Colony 20, Los Angeles Garfield 16
Ayala 34, Alta Loma 3
Chino 23, Oak Park 20
Aquinas 21, San Pedro Mary Star of the Sea 14
Bloomington 31, Eisenhower 14
Bloomington Christian 22, Calvary Murrieta 15
Damien 20, Chaffey 14
Don Lugo 24, Diamond Bar 17
Victor Valley 41, Hesperia 13
Citrus Valley 55, Indio Shadow Hills 6
La Puente Nogales 28, Ontario 12
Santa Ana Saddleback 19, Montclair 12
Norco 43, Etiwanda 20
Rubidoux 24, Pacific 22
Palm Desert 38, San Bernardino 19
Paraclete 26, Barstow 14
Oak Hills 30, Rialto 10
Rim of the World 42, Jurupa Valley 14
Silver Valley 20, Jurupa Hills 6
Sultana 24, Yucca Valley 13
Summit 43, Fontana 15
Bishop 24, Western Christian 10
Moreno Valley Rancho Verde 27, Yucaipa 13
Big Bear 36, Arrowhead Christian 12

Last week: 24-10-1
Overall: 36-19-2

The 44th annual Riverside Poly Boys Water Polo tournament starts today and runs through Saturday at seven different venues -- Arroyo Valley, Corona Santiago, Corona Roosevelt, Jurupa Valley, Riverside Arlington and Riverside King High Schools as well as Sippy Woodhead Pool at Riverside Poly. The tournament, which features 60 teams throughout Southern California, will be played through Saturday, with pool play Thursday and Friday and the championship match to be held at 2 p.m. at Sippy Woodhead Pool.

County teams participating in the tournament and theare Los Osos (Woodhead), Redlands and Upland (Roosevelt), Yucaipa and Arroyo Valley (Arroyo Valley), Cajon, Alta Loma and San Gorgonio (Arlington) and Pacific, Rancho Cucamonga, Summit, Colony and Citrus Valley (Jurupa Valley).

The 10 remain the same, albeit shuffled a little. Rancho Cucamonga moves up with its second straight impressive road victory while Chino Hills and Redlands fall due to a loss and a tie against a Summit team without its top two players, respectively.

Sun Top 10

1. Upland (2-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Tustin, 42-21. Up next: Friday vs. No. 4 Serrano (2-0).

2. Redlands East Valley (1-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Clovis East, 21-6. Up next: Thursday vs. San Gorgonio (0-1).

3. Colton (1-0)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Chaffey, 55-8. Up next: Friday at La Quinta (0-1).

4. Serrano (2-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Silverado, 22-10. Up next: Friday at No. 1 Upland (2-0).

5. Rancho Cucamonga (2-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Temecula Great Oak, 34-17. Up next: Friday at San Dimas (1-1).

6. Chino Hills (1-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to Corona Santiago, 24-12. Up next: Friday vs. Rancho Santa Margarita Tesoro (2-0).

7. Kaiser (1-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Barstow, 37-6. Up next: Friday at Riverside North (0-1).

8. Summit (1-0-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: tied No. 9 Redlands, 24-24. Up next: Friday at Fontana (0-1).

9. Redlands (1-0-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: tied No. 8 Summit, 24-24. Up next: Friday vs. No. 10 Los Osos (2-0).

10. Los Osos (1-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Riverside North, 26-21. Up next: Friday at No. 9 Redlands (1-0-1).

Just missed the cut: Victor Valley (1-0), Ayala (2-0), Cajon (1-1).

Dropped out: None.

Week 0 went tragically for me, as I barely won more games than I lost. Time for redemption.

Redlands at Summit
Should be a heck of a game, as an explosive Summit offense that went off for 42 points last week goes against a Redlands defense that forced eight turnovers in its opener. Devon Blackmon (who donned a UCLA cap after last week's game for you recruitniks) rolled his ankle and may be slowed a bit in this one. I think you'll see Redlands' offense catch up to its defense and pull this out.
Redlands 27, Summit 23

Colton at Chaffey
If you like hard-nosed, smash-mouth football where the forward pass is dismissed as the work of nancy boys, then you'll love this game. Both of these teams are devastatingly effective in the double-wing offense and if you see more than 10 passes combined in this game, it'll be a shock. This marks the debut of new Colton coach Rick Bray and even though Chaffey has a game in hand, Colton will emerge.
Colton 28, Chaffey 16

Palm Springs at Arroyo Valley
The season opener for the Hawks will be a doozy, as Palm Springs is the defending CIF-SS Eastern Division champions and is the No. 1 ranked team in the Central Division. Michael Yearwood will make some plays for Arroyo Valley, but Palm Springs will likely be too much.
Palm Springs 30, Arroyo Valley 17

Silverado at Serrano
The Hawks are traditionally slow-starting, so last week's 42-7 loss to Rancho Cucamonga isn't necessarily a harbinger of doom for the season. But Silverado isn't going to get much in the way of relief against Serrano, the No. 1 team in the Eastern Division. I expect this rivalry game to go to the Diamondbacks for the fourth straight year.
Serrano 31, Silverado 12

Colony at Ayala
This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs, but after a 35-13 victory over Don Lugo, maybe expectations need to be recalibrated for Ayala. Colony suffered a tough loss to Los Osos last week, but expectations are still high for the Titans. I'll take Colony to win tonight's matchup.
Colony 24, Ayala 20

Miller at Carson
Another Thursday game and a game I'll be heading off to pretty soon. The Rebels equipped themselves nicely against Upland, having the defending Central champion Highlanders in a 9-9 fourth-quarter deadlock before Upland pulled away with 12 quick points. Going to Carson and playing the Colts, who defeated Mater Dei last week, is too tough a task though.
Carson 38, Miller 13

Twentynine Palms at Aquinas
Aquinas has several scores to settle against Twentynine Palms, which has defeated the Falcons three times in the last two years, including a rout in the 2008 East Valley playoffs. I really don't see it changing this year. The Falcons will be fine in the Ambassador League, but they'll still feel the growing pains of a freshman QB in this one.
Twentynine Palms 26, Aquinas 17

Redlands East Valley at Clovis East
The Wildcats start off 2010 going through the scenic Central Valley to play a traditionally tough Clovis East squad. Typically you would pick against the team having to take the 4-plus-hour bus ride, but REV seems to excel in tough road situations such as this. I'm taking REV.
Redlands East Valley 21, Clovis East 17

Barstow at Kaiser
This should be another game where the forward pass will be used rarely, as both of these teams trend toward the smashmouth persona. The Aztecs got smashed at home last week against Apple Valley and I think they are a little too young and inexperienced to really test Kaiser right now.
Kaiser 30, Barstow 10

Tustin at Upland
The Highlanders struggled a bit with Miller last week, as their new-look defense gave up some serious passing yards to Rebel quarterback Eric Shufford. Tustin is typically a pretty tough team from Orange County and will give Upland a tussle, but I'm still going with the champs.
Upland 24, Tustin 20

Other games of note:
Don Lugo 26, Ontario Christian 21
Arrowhead Christian 12, Webb 6
Carter 28, Alta Loma 17
Rancho Cucamonga 28, Temecula Great Oak 13
Los Osos 27, Riverside North 20
Vista Murrieta 35, Etiwanda 14
Cajon 45, Eisenhower 20
Fontana 20, Littlerock 14
Yucaipa 21, Canyon Springs 16
Arcadia Rio Hondo Prep 20, Big Bear 17
Coachella Valley 30, Yucca Valley 14
Granite Hills 24, Hesperia 14
Rim of the World 33, Victor Valley 13
Oak Hills 28, Desert Hot Springs 15
Palm Desert 34, Apple Valley 19
San Bernardino 25, Sultana 23
Pomona 35, Montclair 12
Whittier 21, Chino 14
Rubidoux 30, Ontario 20
Bloomington 24, Banning 17
Citrus Valley 28, Burbank Bell-Jeff 20
Jurupa Hills 9, Calabasas Viewpoint 6
Pacific 19, Jurupa Valley 12
Rancho Verde 38, San Gorgonio 16
Chino Hills 31, Corona Santiago 20

Last week: 12-9-1
Overall: 12-9-1

Not much change here. Cajon drops out, Los Osos shoots in while Rancho Cucamonga and Summit creep up.

Sun Top 10

1. Upland (1-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Miller, 21-16. Up next: Friday vs. Tustin (1-0).

2. Redlands East Valley (0-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: did not play. Up next: Friday at Clovis East (1-0).

3. Chino Hills (1-0)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Lakewood Mayfair, 28-14. Up next: Friday at Corona Santiago (0-1).

4. Colton (0-0)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: did not play. Up next: Friday at Chaffey (1-0).

5. Serrano (1-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Paraclete, 35-14. Up next: Friday vs. Silverado (0-1).

6. Redlands (1-0)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Temecula Great Oak, 23-16. Up next: Friday at No. 9 Summit (1-0).

7. Kaiser (0-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: did not play. Up next: Friday vs. Barstow (0-1).

8. Rancho Cucamonga (1-0)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Silverado, 42-7. Up next: Friday at Temecula Great Oak (0-1).

9. Summit (1-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Etiwanda, 42-35. Up next: Friday vs. No. 6 Redlands (1-0).

10. Los Osos (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Colony, 20-7. Up next: Friday vs. Riverside North (0-0).

Just missed the cut: Arroyo Valley (0-0), Rim of the World (0-0), Chaffey (1-0).

Dropped out: No. 8 Cajon (0-1).

A new wrinkle we added this year, the preseason all-area team wasn't very easy to put together. But I'm sure these guys will make me look somewhat smart.

OFFENSE
QB - Thomas Carter, Sr., Cajon
RB - Dillon Pretzinger, Sr., Rim of the World
RB - Jeremiah Armstead, Sr., Oak Hills
RB - Tyler Ervin, Sr., Colton
WR - Paul Pitts, Sr., Los Osos
WR - Angel Rivera, Sr., Arroyo Valley
TE - Rodney Hardrick, Sr., Colton
OL - Jamal Prater, Sr., Etiwanda
OL - Jordan Smith, Sr., Redlands
OL - Hector Sotelo, Sr., Serrano
OL - Gary Dixon, Sr., Summit
OL - Jesus Cortez, Sr., Chaffey
Util - Devon Blackmon, Sr., Summit
K - Cody Madsen, Sr., Redlands East Valley

DEFENSE
DL - Ethan Hillyer, Sr., Serrano
DL - John Siliga, Sr., Redlands
DL - Devon Lewis, Sr., Redlands East Valley
DL - Kyle Jerkins, Sr., Apple Valley
LB - Devan Hussey, Sr., Colton
LB - Dennis Taylor, Sr., Kaiser
LB - Jamal Wilson, Sr., Miller
LB - Jimmy Musgrave, Sr., Silverado
DB - Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Sr., Chino Hills
DB - Josh Armstrong, Sr., Redlands East Valley
DB - Desman Carter, Sr., Kaiser
DB - Demontae Kazee, Jr., Cajon
Util - Sateki Finau, Sr., Rancho Cucamonga
P - Jake Van Ginkel, Sr., Upland

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

Here is my attempt in the wonderfully inexact science of making a preseason poll. We'll see how it ends up.

1. UPLAND (12-2 last year)
The defending Central Division champions are at the top until they prove otherwise, as the Highlanders return QB Justin Nunes and a array of RBs from last season. Upland loses eight starters on their smothering defense, but Alta Loma transfer Christian Powell should help overcome that.

2. REDLANDS EAST VALLEY (11-1)
The Wildcats lose some headliners from last year's Citrus Belt League championship squad, but REV tends to reload in high numbers. All-CIF CB Josh Armstrong and DT Devon Lewis lead a stingy defense while the Wildcats have the size on the offensive line to help break in the new skill-position players.

3. CHINO HILLS (10-3)
The Huskies return 15 starters, led by all-everything senior DB/WR/RB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, from their Central Division semifinalist team of a year ago. The only real question will be at QB, where Chino Hills will have to replace the steady Ryan Verdugo, but there's plenty of talent around to help out the new guy.

4. COLTON (10-2)
A banner season for the Yellowjackets was disrupted early by Rancho Cucamonga in the Central quarterfinals last year. The Yellowjackets have plenty of talent, led by LBs Rodney Hardrick and Devan Hussey, to help new coach Rick Bray succeed at his new job. Colton is a prime contender for the Central crown.

5. SERRANO (11-3)
The Diamondbacks lose DE Everett Beed and RB Dionza Bradford from last year's Eastern Division runner-up, but return loads of experience from last year, including four of their five starters on the offensive line. How well Bradford's replacements fill his shoes will be key.

6. REDLANDS (9-3)
The Terriers are hungry to get back atop the Citrus Belt League and this club gives them a chance to do that. They return QB Jojo Hernandez and a bevy of wide receivers on offense and have studs on each line in OL Jordan Smith and DT John Siliga, which could be enough to get them past REV.

7. KAISER (9-4)
Like Serrano, the Cats lose their two Division I studs in LB Josh Shirley and RB/DB Anthony Brown but return almost everyone else from their run to the Eastern semifinals. Kaiser has athletes everywhere on defense, with safety Desman Carter and linebacker Dennis Taylor leading the way.

8. CAJON (7-4)
The last time the Cowboys were this loaded, they won the San Andreas League in 2008 and advanced to the Central Division semifinals. Senior QB Thomas Carter, a third-year starter, will be key if the Cowboys hope to repeat the 2008 performance, as will cornerback Demontae Kazee.

9. RANCHO CUCAMONGA (10-3)
A lot of the key cogs that have contributed to the Cougars' 23-3-1 record over the last two seasons have departed, namely TE Randall Telfer and QB Greg Watson. But Rancho Cucamonga seems to reload with talent, with do-everything senior Sateki Finau providing a key leadership role.

10. SUMMIT (6-6)
The SkyHawks showed a glimpse of their potential in the first round of the playoffs last year, shocking No. 1 seeded Citrus Hill. Summit would like to see that output on a more consistent basis and if they can get elite dual-threat quarterback Devon Blackmon loose, they will.

Just missed the cut: Arroyo Valley (7-4), Rim of the World (10-2), Chaffey (7-5).

Upland third baseman Daniel Robertson was among one of 14 players from the western part of the United States to qualify for the USA National Trials for the 16-and-under baseball team in September in Houston. Robertson, one of 31 players in the United States to qualify for the trials, will try out in Houston to make the 20-man roster for the Pan American Games to be held in Culiacan, Mexico this October.

It's no surprise that Ayala and Upland received some superlative honors from winning their respective CIF titles. Upland coach Bubba DeJournett earned the Division 2 Coach of the Year award while Ayala pitcher Jessica Hall and coach John Ameluxen swept the Player and Coach of the Year awards in D3.

DIVISION 2
Player of the Year - Taylor Edwards, Vista Murrieta (12) Catcher
Coach of the Year - Bob "Bubba" DeJournett, Upland
FIRST TEAM
Ashley Beza, California, 12, Pitcher
Sierra Curley, Canyon Springs, 12, Pitcher
Whitney Jones, Upland, 12, Pitcher
Brooke White, Temecula Valley, 12, Pitcher
Ashley Holmes, La Serna, 12, Catcher
Jessica Garcia, Redlands, 12, Catcher
Eliza Crawford, Lakewood, 12, Infield
Kylee Lahners, Laguna Hills, 11, Infield
Mahriseh Medina, Mayfair, 12, Infield
Ane Pahulu, Ramona, 9, Infield
Shelby Pickett, Chaparral, 11, Infield
Pauline Monreal, La Mirada, 12, Outfield
Tatum Edwards, Vista Murrieta, 12, Utility

SECOND TEAM
Arianna Erceg, Palos Verdes, 12, Pitcher
Katherine Macias, Arlington, 11, Pitcher
Katie Saunders, Mira Costa, 10, Catcher
Jasmine Watson, Beckman, 12, Catcher
Sarah Carrosco, Lakewood, 12, Infield
Alanna Haskell, Chaparral, 12, Infield
Krista Mele, California, 12, Infield
Amy Nece, Redlands East Valley, 12, Infield
Jessica O'Donnell, Long Beach Wilson, 12, Infield
Michelle Solomon, Redlands, 11, Infield
Maria Sio, Laguna Hills, 11, Infield
Katrina Weber, Bellflower, 11, Infield

This didn't make it into my MLB draft day 2 story. Thanks to colleague T.J. Berka for the info and quotes.

Miller High pitcher Cesar Aguilar was drafted in the 14th round by St. Louis.

"It feels good to be drafted. I've been looking forward to this for a long time," he said.
"I didn't really know when I'd be drafted, so I wasn't that worried about it. I figured I would be drafted, but I wasn't sure when."

"I've been dreaming of this since I was a little kid. Every time I went to a major league game or a minor league game, I imagined playing on the field."

He plans on signing Thursday and will leave Friday. He received a $60,000 signing bonus.

"It's not bad for an 18-year old kid in high school. I'll just save it, There's really nothing I need to buy right now," he said.

Other top county players to go in Day 2: REV LHP Griffin Murphy (Toronto, 2nd), Upland RHP Scott Frazier (Philadelphia, 5th), ex-REV RHP Tyler Shreve (Toronto, 10th), Rancho Cucamonga Austin Reed RHP (Chicago Cubs, 12th).

County qualifiers and top alternates for Friday's CIF-Masters Track Meet at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

BOYS
100 meters: Davonte Stewart, Miller. Alternate: Justin Harris, Upland.
200: Josh Mance, Don Lugo; Davonte Stewart, Miller
400: Josh Mance, Don Lugo; Laijon White, Rancho Cucamonga
3,200: Daniel Rosales, Apple Valley; Dustin Fay, Rim of the World
110 hurdles: Devon Blackmon, Summit; Jered Bell, Colony. Alternate: Demi Adegoke, Los Osos
300 hurdles: Darron Usher, Eisenhower
High jump: Aaron Hale, Upland; De'Marrio Brooks, San Gorgonio; Larry Roberson, Granite Hills.
Triple jump: Justin Lovingood, Summit; Jaelen Spencer, Sultana. Alternate: Jonathan Chea, Cajon

GIRLS
100 meters: Brea Buchanan, Ayala; Omunique Thomas, Carter. Alternate: Treasurie Hatten, Victor Valley
200: Alternate: Omunique Thomas, Carter
400: Vanessa Jones, Etiwanda
3,200: Alternate: Melissa Telon, Rancho Cucamonga
100 hurdles: Brea Buchanan, Ayala; Shanice Stewart, Carter
300 hurdles: Ashley Cooke, Colony; Jordie Munford, Etiwanda; Haley Sanner, Cajon. Alternate: Ke'Nya Hardge, Miller
4x100 relay: Summit, Cajon, Los Osos
4x400 relay: Colony, Etiwanda
High jump: Ashley Henry, Rancho Cucamonga
Long jump: Shanice Stewart, Carter; Ashlie Curenton, Silverado
Triple jump: Mayra Carter, Alta Loma; Jenna Nordschow, Ayala
Pole vault: Nicole Larson, Upland
Shot put: Erin Randolph, Yucaipa

The list of qualifiers for next week's CIF-SS Division I meet at Cerritos College and their qualifying performances at Saturday's D1 prelim meet at Trabuco Hills.

BOYS
100 meters: 3. Davonte Stewart (Miller) 10.59, 5. Justin Harris (Upland) 10.67.
200: 1. Stewart (Miller) 20.84, 4. Harris (Upland) 21.51, 9. Mike Newton (Colton) 21.73
400: 1. Laijon White (Rancho Cucamonga) 48.32, 6. Jimi Alde-Chester (San Gorgonio) 48.85
3,200: 9. Luis Gutierrez (Rancho Cucamonga) 9:21.30.
110 hurdles: 3. Demi Adegoke (Los Osos) 14.62
300 hurdles: 8. Fred Rosser (Silverado) 39.27, 9. Trevor Stevens (Redlands) 39.40
4x100 relay: 6. Upland 42.79
4x400 relay: 5. Upland 3:22.19
High jump: T1. De'Marrio Brooks (San Gorgonio) 6-6, T1. Aaron Hale (Upland) 6-6
Long jump: 9. Brooks (San Gorgonio) 21-6.25
Shot put: 6. James Grigorian (Diamond Bar) 54-1; 8. Jordan Thomas (Redlands) 51-9.5; 9. Ryan Simms-Hunter (San Gorgonio) 51-3
Discus: 4. Grigorian (Diamond Bar) 160-0

GIRLS
100: 8. Breja'e Washington (Cajon) 12.03; 9. Ashley Franklin (Los Osos) 12.04
200: 9. Franklin (Los Osos) 24.66
400: 2. Vanessa Jones (Etiwanda) 55.72
3,200: 5. Melissa Telon (Rancho Cucamonga) 11:00.63
100 hurdles: 6. Jordie Munford (Etiwanda) 14.43; 7. Kenya Hardge (Miller) 14.56
300 hurdles: 1. Munford (Etiwanda) 43.46, 3. Haley Sanner (Cajon) 43.75, 7. Hardge (Miller) 44.55
4x100 relay: 4. Los Osos 47.32, 6. Cajon 47.79
4x400 relay: 2. Etiwanda 3:50.45
High jump: T1. Ashley Henry (Rancho Cucamonga) 5-4, T1. Tiana Jones (Rancho Cucamonga) 5-4
Long jump: 2. Ashlie Currenton (Silverado) 18-3.25, 4. Marya Carter (Alta Loma) 17-6.25, T9. Jenika Smith (Upland) 17-2.25
Triple jump: 6. Carter (Alta Loma) 38-.75
Pole vault: 1. Nicole Larson (Upland) 11-0
Shot put: 3. Erin Randolph (Yucaipa) 40-5.5, 6. Natania Toilolo (Cajon) 38-6.5
Discus: 9. Dee De Shaefer Robinson (Etiwanda) 114-1

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).

Six county players were honored as top 100 high school prospects in the latest issue of Baseball America. Barstow pitcher Aaron Sanchez tops the list at No. 25. Sanchez, a 6-foot-3 righthander who has verbally committed to Oregon, was also listed on the magazine's third-team Preseason High School All-America Team.

Other county players in the top 100 include Yucaipa pitcher Taijuan Walker (No. 37), former REV pitcher Tyler Shreve (No. 60), REV lefthanded pitcher Griffin Murphy (No. 61), Los Osos catcher Jake Hernandez (No. 77) and Upland pitcher Scott Frazier (No. 98).

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

Pacific wrestler Samantha Cardoza won the 108-pound title at the CIF-State girls Southern Regional wrestling championships this past weekend at Covina Northview High School, heading a list of county athletes participating in the event.

Cardoza defeated Oceanside's Kalin Knight-Alvarez in the final, with Redlands East Valley's Alexis Rodriguez finishing third. Upland's Gabriella Gongora finished second in the 154-pound division to La Serna's Jackie Williams while Sultana's Sarah Bollinger took third at 132 pounds.

Redlands East Valley, buoyed by three placers in Rodriguez, Lauren Chavez (5th, 103) and Jase Osterblad (8th, 114), had the highest county team finish, taking 13th with 55 points.

These were released Monday by the CIF-SS offices. Colony RB Jamil Austin and Etiwanda QB Angel Santiago shared the offensive player of the year honors while Upland LB Tim Helton grabbed defensive MVP honors. And predictably, Upland's Tim Salter was the coach of the year.

Well, we are down to the nitty gritty here. The Central and Inland Divisions have blown up on me, leaving Serrano and St. Margaret's as my only chances to predict champions (though with St. Margaret's, getting that prediction right is akin to pick the Lakers to win the Pacific Division). Let's see how we do in the final week.

Central Division
Los Osos vs. Upland
Really tough game to figure out. On one side you have the Grizzlies, who have won seven games in a row and are exploding scoreboards with their point totals. No brainer pick, right? Not exactly. The last team they lost to was, drumroll please, Upland, and in shutout fashion no less. The Highlanders can choke out even the most explosive offenses, giving up only 27 points in three playoff games.
So do you go with the hot team? Or with the adage of defense wins championships? I'm going with the second, as Upland will finish the job this year after losing in the finals last season.
Upland 17, Los Osos 13

Eastern Division
Serrano at Palm Springs
I proceeded to pick against Palm Springs last week in their matchup with Kaiser, only to see the Cardinals destroy the Cats 41-0. I also caught some guff about it from Palm Springs coach Steve Fabian. Either he's got some moles in San Bernardino County or we have some readers in the Low Desert. Either way, I'm going back to the well. I picked Serrano when the playoffs started and nothing since has convinced me to back off that pick. If anything, watching them score 49 points against Norte Vista reaffirmed my faith in the Diamondbacks.
Serrano 27, Palm Springs 21

East Valley Division
St. Margaret's at Ontario Christian
The Knights have been an awesome story. Veteran coach Laing Stevens comes back from retirement and does his thing, getting Ontario Christian back to the finals unexpectedly. It's not like the Knights are getting lucky either, as they just blasted Grace Brethren 45-0 last week. OC is peaking and looking good. However, St. Margaret's is the gold standard of small-school football. Three CIF titles in a row and a state championship speak for themselves and while I expect OC to come out swinging, I think the fairy-tale run comes just short.
St. Margaret's 26, Ontario Christian 14

And just because I can...
Inland Division
Vista Murrieta 38, Temecula Chaparral 31

Just to let you guys know I'll be blogging the Central Division championship game from Citrus College. I've done this in the past, but I keep forgetting to let people know about it. So if you can't make it out, you can get real-time updates on this blog tomorrow starting around 6:30 p.m.

Got another 3 out of 4 correct this past week, giving me only one game wrong in the Division to date. Of course, we'll just ignore the fact that the game I lost involved my predicted champion (Colton). Sounds good to me.

Rancho Cucamonga at Los Osos
This one is, as Bostonians say, wicked hard. Who do you pick against, the hottest team in the division or the division's defending champion? Los Osos' six-game winning streak started against the Cougars, as the Grizzlies took them down 31-28 in Week 7. However, Rancho Cucamonga took out a Colton team on a 10-game winning streak last week and are a little peeved about the Grizzlies wearing their home uniforms at what was supposed to be a Rancho home game? So where do I go from here? I'll take the hot team, though I have no real confidence in this pick.
Los Osos 34, Rancho Cucamonga 30

Upland at Chino Hills
Once again, Chino Hills had my back and then some, beating Etiwanda down to move to the semifinals. They'll try to take out another Baseline team again, as they go against an Upland team that knocked off No. 2 seeded Colony in a tight one to make it to this point. Both of these teams have great defense and both of them are battle-tested, but you have to be on some drugs if you think I'm getting off the Chino Hills bandwagon now. I'm riding shotgun until the journey ends.
Chino Hills 17, Upland 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

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

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)

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.

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).

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

Probably the toughest set of rankings to come up with yet. Positions 3-7 are basically interchangeable at this point.

1. Redlands East Valley (8-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Carter, 41-14. Up next: Friday vs. Miller (4-4)

2. Colton (7-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Cajon, 38-9. Up next: Friday at San Gorgonio (2-6).

3. Rancho Cucamonga (7-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 34-14. Up next: Friday at No. 7 Upland (7-1)

4. Colony (7-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Chaffey, 35-13. Up next: Friday vs. Don Lugo (5-3).

5. Redlands (7-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Miller, 28-27. Up next: Friday at Rialto (0-8).

6. Etiwanda (6-2)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. No. 7 Upland, 18-16. Up next: Friday at Los Osos (4-4).

7. Upland (7-1)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: lost to No. 6 Etiwanda, 18-16. Up next: Friday vs. No. 3 Rancho Cucamonga (7-1).

8. Serrano (6-2)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Hesperia, 42-6. Up next: Friday at Ridgecrest Burroughs (4-4).

9. Silverado (7-2)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Ridgecrest Burroughs, 35-21. Up next: Friday at Granite Hills (6-2).

10. Kaiser (5-3)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Summit, 13-7. Up next: Friday vs. Bloomington (3-5).

Just missed the cut: Rim of the World (8-1), Chino Hills (6-2), Los Osos (4-4), Barstow (6-2).

Dropped out: No. 6 Chino Hills (6-2).

Heading out to Colton in a bit for a rare Thursday night showdown. Missed Barstow-Silverado, the Los Osos upset of Rancho Cucamonga and Arrowhead Christian last week.

Cajon at Colton
This was the game last year where Cajon overpowered Colton in the second half to grab a blowout victory and wrest the San Andreas League title from the Yellowjackets' grasp. Well, it looks like its time for Colton to do the wresting. Cajon has not been very effective against quality competition and Colton is the best team its faced to date. Like the Yellowjackets to roll right now.
Colton 28, Cajon 6

Kaiser at Summit
Another great Thursday night bash, as SoFo goes to NoFo for a matchup that should be dope, yo. Anthony Brown has been running around crazy for the Cats in recent weeks, scoring eight touchdowns in two Sunkist League games. If he can continue that clip of production against a Summit defense that's pitched consecutive shutouts, Kaiser will roll. He likely won't, but I'll pick Kaiser anyway.
Kaiser 24, Summit 16

Redlands at Miller
The first of three titanic Citrus Belt League showdowns from now until the end of the season, as Redlands has won six in a row and Miller has won four in a row. It will be interesting to see how well the resurgent Miller offense does against the stingy Terrier defense. I personally think that Redlands comes in to Miller and pulls one out.
Redlands 20, Miller 14

Upland at Etiwanda
The classic battle between the explosive offense (Etiwanda) and the suffocating defense (Upland). With Rancho inexplicably slipping up to Los Osos, this game all of a sudden is a battle for first place. While Angel Santiago and company are enjoyable to watch, in a battle like this, I almost always go with defense. Upland will choke 'em out.
Upland 21, Etiwanda 10

Colony at Chaffey
The Tigers took it to Colony last year, going to the southside and defeating the Titans to grab the Mt. Baldy League title. You know that the Titans, who have won six in a row, are looking to settle the score and get this rivalry back in their favor. Chaffey will have some success, but this might be the best Colony team that Anthony Rice has had, which says a lot.
Colony 27, Chaffey 14

Ridgecrest Burroughs at Silverado
Having gone up the 15 and blasted Barstow, Silverado - winners of six straight games - can put a hammerlock on the Desert Sky League with a victory against a Burroughs team that has split heart-wrenching games to Barstow and Granite Hills. The Hawks have some pretty solid pelts and are on a huge roll, a roll I don't expect the Burros to stop.
Silverado 30, Burroughs 20

Glendora at Chino Hills
Finally, the cream of the Sierra League crop is actually going to play each other. After two weeks of pretty bad games, this one should be OK. I'm only going with OK because Glendora isn't quite what it's been the last two years. Chino Hills, on the other hand, is looking pretty strong and should have its way here.
Chino Hills 28, Glendora 16

Apple Valley at Rim of the World
It's been a tough two weeks for the Sun Devils, who have lost close games to Granite Hills and Serrano that very easily could be wins. It doesn't get much easier for Apple Valley, as they head up the hill to face a Rim team that traditionally gives it fits. The Sun Devils don't need to win this to make the playoffs, which is good for them, because I see the Fighting Scots fighting on.
Rim of the World 20, Apple Valley 17

Aquinas at Arrowhead Christian
Sort of a weird vibe coming into this game, as ACA is the team that comes in with a CIF ranking while Aquinas hasn't won on the field since Oct. 2. The Falcons aren't winless during that time, as the two-time defending Christian League champions got a forfeit win over La Verne Lutheran, but they want to show ACA that the road to the Christian title goes through them still. They will.
Aquinas 24, Arrowhead Christian 9

Yucca Valley at Twentynine Palms
The De Anza co-champs have been resurgent of late, as Twentynine Palms has won four straight after starting 0-4 while Yucca Valley has won back-to-back games after an 0-5 start. The winner of The Victory Bell takes control of the league championship race and while I like what Yucca has done, the Wildcats take this at home.
Twentynine Palms 28, Yucca Valley 13

Other games of interest:

Chino 48, Diamond Bar 40
Garey 30, Ontario 10
Los Osos 23, Claremont 20
Rancho Cucamonga 45, Alta Loma 0
Redlands East Valley 48, Carter 14
Yucaipa 35, Fontana 20
Rialto 42, Eisenhower 36
Big Bear 21, Desert Mirage 16
Granite Hills 23, Victor Valley 21
Serrano 27, Hesperia 6
Don Lugo 31, Montclair 10
Arroyo Valley 34, San Gorgonio 27
San Bernardino 38, Pacific 20
Ayala 28, Damien 17
Bloomington 35, Jurupa Valley 7
Barstow 28, Sultana 12
Murrieta Mesa 24, Citrus Valley 18
Laguna Beach 30, Oak Hills 24

Week: 26-3
Overall: 179-49

A little late, but this is it. REV is No. 1 now.

Sun Top 10

1. Redlands East Valley (7-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Rialto, 49-6. Up next: Friday vs. Carter (3-4)

2. Upland (7-0)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 42-7. Up next: Friday at No. 8 Etiwanda (5-2).

3. Colton (6-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. San Bernardino, 41-7. Up next: Friday vs. Cajon (5-2).

4. Rancho Cucamonga (6-1)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: lost to Los Osos, 31-28. Up next: Friday at Alta Loma (0-7)

5. Colony (6-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Garey, 55-7. Up next: Friday at Chaffey (4-3).

6. Chino Hills (6-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Chino, 49-7. Up next: Friday vs. Glendora (4-3).

7. Redlands (6-1)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Yucaipa, 35-13. Up next: Friday at Miller (4-3).

8. Etiwanda (5-2)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Claremont, 24-21. Up next: Friday vs. No. 2 Upland (7-0).

9. Serrano (5-2)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Apple Valley 13-7. Up next: Friday vs. Hesperia (3-4).

10. Silverado (6-2)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Barstow, 40-12. Up next: Friday vs. Ridgecrest Burroughs (4-3).

Just missed the cut: Ayala (6-1), Kaiser (4-3), Rim of the World (7-1), Miller (4-3)

Dropped out: No. 7. Barstow (5-2).

Not much change here. Serrano whipped Rim of the World, so the Diamondbacks rejoin the rankings while the Scots fall out after a one-week appearance. And I must say, I'm getting very tempted to jump REV over Rancho.

Sun Top 10

1. Rancho Cucamonga (6-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Claremont, 52-24. Up next: Friday at Los Osos (2-4)

2. Redlands East Valley (6-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Fontana, 48-0. Up next: Friday at Rialto (0-6)

3. Upland (6-0)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Los Osos, 17-0. Up next: Friday vs. Alta Loma (0-6).

4. Colton (5-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Arroyo Valley, 31-14. Up next: Friday at San Bernardino (1-5).

5. Colony (5-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Ontario, 55-10. Up next: Friday vs. Garey (3-3).

6. Chino Hills (5-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Damien, 38-6. Up next: Friday at Chino (0-6).

7. Barstow (5-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Ridgecrest Burroughs, 28-21. Up next: Friday vs. Silverado (5-2).

8. Redlands (5-1)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Eisenhower, 49-7. Up next: Friday vs. Yucaipa (3-3).

9. Etiwanda (4-2)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 61-17. Up next: Friday at Claremont (4-2).

10. Serrano (4-2)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Rim of the World, 35-7. Up next: Friday at Apple Valley (3-3).

Just missed the cut: Ayala (5-1), Kaiser (3-3), Rim of the World (6-1), Silverado (5-2)

Dropped out: No. 9. Rim of the World (6-1).

Shaved another loss off the old total this past week, putting me down to three. Either I'm starting to get a handle on this season, or some of the teams are deciding to humor me. Guess we'll find out with most of the leagues starting this weekend.

Serrano at Rim of the World
I'll spend my second straight weekend taking Waterman Street up the mountains, as the D-backs and Fighting Scots face off in what should be a doozy. Both teams have great running backs in Serrano senior Dionza Bradford and Rim junior Dillon Pretzinger, but the game might come down to which quarterback can perform well enough to take pressure off the running back. I'm going with an experienced Serrano team in a minor upset.
Serrano 20, Rim of the World 14

Arroyo Valley at Colton
Both of these teams come in with identical 4-1 records, but its safe to say that Colton's 4-1 mark - complete with victories over Kaiser, Palm Springs, La Quinta and Apple Valley - is a little more impressive than Arroyo Valley's conquests over the Alta Lomas and Rialtos of the world. I see the Yellowjackets being a little too much to handle.
Colton 33, Arroyo Valley 16

Los Osos at Upland
This is always one of the more hotly contested games in the county but for the first time since 2005, its not a Brehaut vs. Nunes affair. Los Osos is still passing the ball quite well behind senior quarterback Blake Loncar, but has fallen short in some close games. Upland's played some stifling defense, something I expect will continue in this one.
Upland 21, Los Osos 13

Miller at Yucaipa
If any one is going to challenge the Redlands teams for Citrus Belt League supremacy, its one of these schools. Miller has started league with two routs of CBL underlings while Yucaipa hung with REV for a half before falling 35-7 last week. Both teams can score from anywhere on the field, so this game should be entertaining if nothing else.
Yucaipa 28, Miller 27

Silverado at Victor Valley
The battle for Victorville has been a one-sided affair of late, but this game sees the Jackrabbits coming in 5-0 and ranked No. 8 in the Eastern Division. Silverado is Silverado, winning four in a row after starting its season 0-2. The Hawks also have some big wins, taking out Summit, Palm Desert and Arroyo Valley, and I expect that to help them take this one as well.
Silverado 31, Victor Valley 24

Chino Hills at Damien
If you are Damien, you have to hate life right about now. After playing teams like Rancho Cucamonga, Charter Oak, Bishop Amat and St. John Bosco in the nonleague season, they start league with a very good Chino Hills squad. Perhaps Damien's brutal nonleague death march will help them, but I think the Huskies have a little too much mojo right now.
Chino Hills 24, Damien 17

Riverside Patriot at Kaiser
These teams battled in the season finale last year for the Sunkist League title, a game that Kaiser won going away. I expect much of the same this time around. Kaiser is the best 2-3 team in the county - heck, maybe in Southern California - and Patriot just got slapped down by Victor Valley. Expect the Cats to get in a few shots.
Kaiser 30, Patriot 10

Don Lugo at Chaffey
The Conquistadores, with DL George Uko and DB Steven Bethley, have the star power and three straight wins. But Chaffey had an ambitious nonleague schedule and employs a physical attack that belies its 2-3 record. I think you'll see the defending league champion Tigers triple-team Uko and just pummel the rest of the Don Lugo defenders.
Chaffey 26, Don Lugo 16

Yucca Valley at Big Bear
No one really expected these teams to come in with a combined 1-9 record, as both went to the East Valley quarterfinals a year ago. But as the De Anza League season opens, that's exactly where the Trojans and Bears lie, with a Big Bear victory over Oak Hills two weeks ago being the only non-loss. So it should be intense, though I'll go with the home team to make it two in a row.
Big Bear 23, Yucca Valley 14

Granite Hills at Apple Valley
Another crosstown rivalry in the High Desert that should be infinitely more entertaining than it usually is. Apple Valley has been outstanding offensively over the last two weeks, putting up 67 on San Bernardino and 56 on San Gorgonio, while the Cougars are off to a program-best 4-1 start. Granite is improved and will give the Sun Devils a game, but this will go the way it normally does.
Apple Valley 34, Granite Hills 23

Others games of note:
Etiwanda 40, Alta Loma 13
Rancho Cucamonga 38, Claremont 14
Arrowhead Christian 28, Western Christian 17
Carter 38, Rialto 15
Redlands East Valley 48, Fontana 10
Redlands 46, Eisenhower 12
Twentynine Palms 27, Desert Hot Springs 10
Barstow 33, Ridgecrest Burroughs 27
Hesperia 42, Sultana 13
Garey 28, Montclair 20
Colony 41, Ontario 7
San Gorgonio 55, Pacific 0
Cajon 49, San Bernardino 10
Ayala 44, Chino 6
Summit 34, Bloomington 16
Newport Beach Sage Hill 58, Citrus Valley 6
Aquinas 28, Oak Hills 20

Week: 21-3
Overall: 130-42

My new rankings for this week. We finally welcome Rim of the World and their 6-0 start.

Sun Top 10

1. Rancho Cucamonga (5-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Covina Charter Oak, 48-28. Up next: Friday vs. Claremont (4-1)

2. Redlands East Valley (5-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Yucaipa, 35-7. Up next: Friday vs. Fontana (2-3)

3. Upland (5-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Los Osos (2-3).

4. Colton (4-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Kaiser, 14-6. Up next: Friday vs. Arroyo Valley (4-1).

5. Colony (4-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Ontario (1-4).

6. Chino Hills (4-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at Damien (1-4).

7. Barstow (4-1)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. San Bernardino, 49-33 . Up next: Friday at Ridgecrest Burroughs (3-2).

8. Redlands (4-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Fontana, 34-7. Up next: Friday at Eisenhower (0-5).

9. Rim of the World (6-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Granite Hills, 21-6. Up next: Friday vs. Serrano (3-2).

10. Etiwanda (3-2)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: lost to Covina Charter Oak, 27-26. Up next: Thursday vs. Alta Loma (0-5).

Just missed the cut: Ayala (4-1), Victor Valley (5-0), Kaiser (2-3), Serrano (3-2).

Dropped out: No. 10 Kaiser (2-3).

Better last week, as I only messed up six games. Of course four of those were in my featured 10, so I'm really not sure if I've really gotten smarter. This week starts Citrus Belt League play, so it's starting to get really good. Here are my picks before I head to Fontana High School for tonight's Fohi-Miller tilt.

Miller at Fontana
Before the season, this looked to be a speedbump for the defending CBL champion Rebels, as Fontana had only won five games the previous five seasons while Miller was returning much of their offense. But two Steeler wins and an 0-3 Miller start has made this game pretty key. While Miller had a brutal schedule and Fohi beat SAL cellardwellars Pacific and San Bernardino, its clear that Fohi is improved and Miller isn't. However, I'll pick Miller to survive, albeit barely.
Miller 28, Fontana 20

Carter at Redlands
Another intriguing CBL opener, because for whatever reason, the Lions play well against Redlands. The Terriers barely escaped at Carter 7-6 during their CBL championship season in 2006, lost to Carter at home in 2007 and struggled to beat the Lions last year. The Carter offense has shown explosive qualities, but Redlands has been stingy on defense. I'll take the savvy of Redlands in this one.
Redlands 21, Carter 12

Colony at Kaiser
These teams have both been battle-tested and quality approved, with Colony beating Chino Hills and Diamond Ranch already while Kaiser destroyed Cajon last week. Both teams are feeling confident and have talent to burn. However, Kaiser gave one of the better defensive performances I've seen in my three years here, especially given the quality of Cajon. I expect them to be slightly superior to the Titans.
Kaiser 19, Colony 16

Summit at Silverado
Silverado entertained the heck out of me last Thursday, breaking five touchdowns of 50 yards or more against Palm Desert. After a slow start, it seems as if the Hawks offense is running in full gear. Summit has that capability and while only 1-2, showed well in close losses to Etiwanda and Redlands. Expect some big plays and some crazy athleticism in the High Desert, with the home team prevailing in a classic.
Silverado 35, Summit 30

Hesperia at Barstow
Very interesting litmus test for both of these schools. The Scorpion offense finally broke out against Pacific, but playing the listless Pirates doesn't really compare to facing defending Eastern Division runner-up Barstow. The Aztecs also have something to prove after falling last week to Quartz Hill in upset fashion. Hesperia is improved, but I'll go with a veteran Barstow team at home.
Barstow 30, Hesperia 21

Chaffey at Colton
If there are 10 passes combined between the two teams, I'll be shocked. Chaffey likes to pound the ball with senior RB Ronald Douglas, the county's leading rusher, while Colton has a fleet of backs to excel in the double-wing. The Yellowjackets defense seems to have settled in after a tough opener against Vista Murrieta and will subdue Chaffey enough to pull out the win.
Colton 24, Chaffey 12

Upland at Bloomington
The positive vibes the Bruins got by winning their first two games were mostly eradicated in their 51-0 loss to Corona Roosevelt. It doesn't get much easier for Bloomington, as Upland and its lockdown defense come into town. Tim Salter gets a ton of credit in my mind for reshaping the Highlanders from a big-play, somewhat finesse squad into a hard-nosed physical unit. Bloomington will be heaping praise on Upland as well.
Upland 28, Bloomington 6

San Gorgonio at Chino Hills
After impressively winning at Hesperia in its opener, the Spartans have had a tough time of it in losing to Redlands East Valley and Yucaipa. Now they are going against a team that smacked them twice last year, including 52-13 in the playoffs. Chino Hills bounced back last week with a nice win over Diamond Ranch after losing to Colony the week before and will continue to roll.
Chino Hills 34, San Gorgonio 14

La Quinta at Cajon
La Quinta hasn't had a fun time in the Inland Empire the past two weeks, losing lopsided games to Colton and Norco. They come back again to face a Cajon team who's pride is a bit wounded after being shut out by Kaiser. It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys react to being punched in the mouth and how La Quinta will react to the travel. I'll go with Cajon in a close one.
Cajon 18, La Quinta 14

Indio at Rim of the World
This has all the makings of a beatdown. Indio has struggled after losing the bulk of its 6-4 team a year ago and faces a Rim of the World team that's a bit sore about losing to the Rajahs on the road a year ago. Expect the Fighting Scots to run on Indio early and often, keeping its undefeated start going.
Rim of the World 38, Indio 7

Other games of interest:
Redlands East Valley 55, Eisenhower 0
Yucaipa 48, Rialto 14
Apple Valley 31, San Bernardino 26
Arroyo Valley 34, Alta Loma 10
Ayala 47, South El Monte 3
Granite Hills 30, Cathedral City 17
Etiwanda 45, Chino 6
Pacific 28, Citrus Valley 10
Claremont 38, Ontario 14
Don Lugo 37, Jurupa Valley 9
San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret's 42, Ontario Christian 13
Aquinas 28, San Pedro Mary Star of the Sea 13
Serrano 38, Santa Clarita Golden Valley 3
Oak Park 24, Twentynine Palms 13
Victor Valley 33, Sultana 16
Yucca Valley 21, Arrowhead Christian 17
Big Bear 28, Oak Hills 27

Week: 24-6
Overall: 86-35

Everyone is the same, but Kaiser makes a huge move while Barstow and Cajon tumble.

Sun Top 10

1. Rancho Cucamonga (4-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Covina Charter Oak, 35-25. Up next: Oct. 9 at Temecula Valley (0-3)

2. Redlands East Valley (3-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Orange Lutheran, 20-14. Up next: Friday at Eisenhower (0-3)

3. Upland (4-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Lancaster Eastside, 44-0. Up next: Friday at Bloomington (2-1).

4. Colton (2-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Palm Springs, 21-12. Up next: Friday vs. Chaffey (2-2).

5. Kaiser (2-1)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. No. 10 Cajon, 20-0. Up next: Friday vs. No. 7 Colony (3-1).

6. Etiwanda (2-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Chino (0-3).

7. Colony (3-1)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 30-10. Up next: Friday at No. 5 Kaiser (2-1).

8. Chino Hills (3-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Diamond Ranch, 17-14. Up next: Friday vs. San Gorgonio (1-2).

9. Barstow (2-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to Quartz Hill, . Up next: Friday vs. Hesperia (2-1).

10. Cajon (3-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: lost to No. 5 Kaiser, 20-0. Up next: Friday vs. La Quinta (1-2).

Just missed the cut: Arroyo Valley (3-0), Redlands (2-1), Rim of the World (4-0), Ayala (3-1).

Dropped out: None.

Brand new. Colony breaks in with some vigor.

Sun Top 10

1. Rancho Cucamonga (3-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Carter, 49-18. Up next: Friday at Covina Charter Oak (3-0).

2. Redlands East Valley (2-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. San Gorgonio, 56-10. Up next: Friday vs. Orange Lutheran (1-1) at Orange Coast College.

3. Barstow (2-0)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Paraclete, 20-10. Up next: Friday vs. Quartz Hill (0-2).

4. Cajon (3-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Sultana, 41-0. Up next: Friday vs. No. 10 Kaiser (1-1).

5. Upland (3-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Serrano, 21-18. Up next: Friday vs. Lancaster Eastside (0-2) at Antelope Valley College.

6. Colton (1-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. La Quinta, 23-8. Up next: Friday vs. Palm Springs (2-0).

7. Etiwanda (2-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: lost to Norco, 37-27. Up next: Oct. 2 vs. Chino (0-2).

8. Colony (2-1)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. No. 9 Chino Hills, 22-6. Up next: Friday vs. Alta Loma (0-3).

9. Chino Hills (2-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to No. 8 Colony, 22-6. Up next: Friday vs. Diamond Ranch (1-2).

10. Kaiser (1-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: lost to Riverside North, 28-12. Up next: Friday at No. 4 Cajon (3-0).

Just missed the cut: Redlands (2-1), Arroyo Valley (2-0), Ayala (2-1), Rim of the World (3-0).

Dropped out: No. 10 Serrano (1-2).

Heck of a lot better performance this week, going 28-10 after the 10-9 montrosity of zero week. Hoping to still cut my losses in half though.

Upland at Serrano
I like matchups like these, as powers from different parts of the county come together for some good football. Both of these teams have been vise-like on defense and inconsistent offensively, meaning that this game could resemble a baseball score. It's hard to pick against Serrano up at Snowline, but I must say I've been impressed with Upland's D thus far. Highlanders win a tight one.
Upland 13, Serrano 10

Redlands East Valley at San Gorgonio
This game is a sneaky-good one, as the two schools both cull players from the Highland area and have talented rosters. But while the Spartans were very impressive in their win at Hesperia last Friday, they are in the building stages of Ron Gueringer's program while Kurt Bruich has a machine going at REV. San G will have its say against the Wildcats, but not in this one.
Redlands East Valley 27, San Gorgonio 13

Chino Hills at Colony
There's no doubting the talent in this game, as Chino Hills is one of the more steady, above-average programs in the Inland Empire while Colony tend to grow Division I talent on trees. The Titans impressed me last week by winning at Diamond Ranch, but like I said for Chaffey last week, beating Chino Hills is an entirely different - and more difficult - matter. I expect Nate Harris to find the end zone for the Huskies a couple times.
Chino Hills 30, Colony 14

Redlands at Los Osos
Two traditionally solid programs battle it out in another CBL vs. Baseline showdown. The Terriers showed some moxie in beating Summit late, but Los Osos doesn't seem to have much of a dropoff in its passing game despite Richard Brehaut moving on to UCLA. Blake Loncar has thrown for 200 or more yards in both games and WR Sean Alston has been his primary target. Look for the two to hook up for some big plays.
Los Osos 24, Redlands 13

Etiwanda at Norco
There's really no debate at this point about Etiwanda's offense - it's darn good. Angel Santiago can pass pretty well, but the strides he has made in the running game are pretty impressive. His 283 yards rushing will be needed, and then some, against a Norco team tht lost a tough 47-44 game to L.A. Crenshaw - the No. 1 team in the L.A. Times top 25. Etiwanda will make some plays, but not enough.
Norco 36, Etiwanda 24

Riverside North at Kaiser
The Huskies have been an absolute irritant to Kaiser the past three seasons, defeating the Cats in all five meetings between the two, shutting them out three times. It's hard to believe that North will shut out this Kaiser team, but its offense could be more explosive than it has been. I think North will make a few more plays in this one against a game Kaiser squad.
North 24, Kaiser 17

Rancho Cucamonga at Carter
The 40-spot that the Lions hung up on Alta Loma in the season opener adds a tiny bit more intrigue than was expected in this game, as Carter seems to have grasped Alex Pierce's spread attack a little bit better. However, Rancho can match Carter's athleticism, if not surpass it, and is well ahead of the Lions as far as overall football acumen.
Rancho Cucamonga 31, Carter 13

Don Lugo at Chino
The battle for the Milk Can has been anything but for the past decade and a half, as the Cowboys have won 17 straight over the Conquistadores in this series. On the surface, this should change, as Chino was bombed by Whittier and Don Lugo has D-I talent in DT George Uko and DB Steven Bethley. But as adage goes, never bet against a streak.
Chino 20, Don Lugo 14

La Quinta at Colton
After losing 26-9 last week to Vista Murrieta, things don't get easier for the Yellowjackets, as La Quinta - ranked second in the Eastern Division - comes calling. However, Colton did beat the Blackhawks handily a year ago and I would expect QB Jordan Mixon to be less nervous and execute the offense a bit better. If he does that, the Yellowjackets should be fine.
Colton 20, La Quinta 16

Aquinas at Riverside Notre Dame
The premier Catholic school in San Bernardino County faces off against the premier parochial program in Riverside County in an annual grudge matchup. You can expect good, physical, well-played football in this game, in which the winner gets possession of "The Holy Shield." I'll go with Aquinas, ranked No. 1 in the East Valley Division.
Aquinas 23, Notre Dame 19

Other games of note:
Arroyo Valley 42, Rialto 9
Ayala 33, Alta Loma 10
Ontario Christian 23, Azusa 20
Paraclete 18, Barstow 15
Big Bear 27, Beaumont 21
Bishop 39, Western Christian 20
Montclair 36, Blythe Palo Verde Valley 16
Cajon 45, Sultana 7
Damien 28, Claremont 26
Bloomington 30, Eisenhower 14
Summit 31, Fontana 14
Granite Hills 30, Pacific 9
Hesperia 23, Moreno Valley Canyon Springs 13
Los Angeles Crenshaw 51, Miller 12
La Puente Nogales 17, Ontario 6
Quartz Hill 27, Silverado 10
Ridgecrest Burroughs 27, Apple Valley 24
Rim of the World 29, Cathedral City 14
Riverside Arlington 26, Chaffey 20
San Jacinto 34, Twentynine Palms 16
Oak Hills 38, Silver Valley 6
Victor Valley 27, Yucca Valley 18
Yucaipa 31, San Bernardino 27
Arrowhead Christian 27, Citrus Valley 7

Week: 28-10
Overall: 38-19

Sorry about the lateness of this - was in Michigan this weekend at the Michigan-Notre Dame game. But I'm back, I'm happy and raring to go.

1. Rancho Cucamonga (2-0)
Another game, another routine win. The Cougars haven't been jaw-droppingly good yet, but they are getting the job done and getting the young defense ready for the Baseline League.

2. Redlands East Valley (1-0)
Great first game against a traditionally strong Clovis East team. Definitely look to be head and shoulders above everyone else in the Citrus Belt League.

3. Chino Hills (2-0)
The Huskies should be No. 2 behind Rancho in the Central Division polls later today and quite frankly, look really good right now. It's not easy to manhandle Chaffey the way Chino Hills did.

4. Barstow (1-0)
An expected easy win against Rialto and Colton's loss has the Aztecs in pretty elite position. They have a tough test with Paraclete though.

5. Kaiser (1-0)
The defense subdued Apple Valley in Phil Zelaya's debut, as you would expect, but a game against nemsis Riverside North - which bombed Los Osos - awaits.

6. Etiwanda (2-0)
The Eagles' offense might be the most explosive in the area. Yes, maybe even better than Rancho's. We'll truly get to see the Eagles under fire this week at Norco.

7. Cajon (2-0)
The Cowboys and their stable of Kazees haven't been tested yet, scoring 111 points in their first two games. Sultana won't provide much of a test this week either.

8. Upland (2-0)
The Miller game wasn't a fluke, as the Highlander defense was even more stingy against Glendora. Upland's defense definitely looks nasty at this point.

9. Colton (0-1)
Vista Murrieta is a good team, so Colton shouldn't feel that bad about the loss. Quarterback Jordan Mixon showed some jitters and the offensive line has some kinks to work out.

10. Serrano (1-1)
I was extremely close to putting San G in this spot after their domination of Hesperia, but I went with the Diamondbacks. Defense looks good, but the offense needs to produce more than 13 points in two games.

Missed the cut: San Gorgonio (1-0), Chaffey (1-1), Los Osos (1-1), Arroyo Valley (1-0)

I took it in the chin last week, barely finishing above .500 at 10-9. While the first week is hard to judge sometimes, I have to do better than that. Here's to a full slate and winning at least 75%. Cheers.

Los Osos at Riverside North
Life at Los Osos didn't die with the losses of Richard Brehaut and Arby Fields after all. In fact, Blake Loncar made quite a convincing case at QB for the Grizzlies last week, passing for 200 yards and spreading the ball around nicely. However, North is one of the better programs in the area and are tough to beat at King High School. Don't think Osos is quite ready at this juncture.
Riverside North 23, Los Osos 14

Chaffey at Chino Hills
This is a sneaky-good matchup - the best game of the week in my opinion. Chino Hills has some great defensive backs in Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Nate Harris, but the Tigers will keep this game on the ground thanks to RB Ronald Douglas and QB Jacob Ahmad. Chaffey needs a win in a game like this to prove that it can be a player in the Central Division, but that'll be easier said than done against the Huskies.
Chino Hills 28, Chaffey 18

Kaiser at Apple Valley
The Phil Zelaya era at Kaiser starts in the desert, as the Cats head up the Cajon Pass to face an Apple Valley team that returns 16 starters from last year. Of course, Kaiser returns a bunch - including USC commit Anthony Brown and four-star D-I prospect Josh Shirley - and put a beating on the Sun Devils last year. It'll be closer, but the ultimate result will be the same.
Kaiser 30, Apple Valley 13

Glendora at Upland
The Highlanders impressed me with their defense, completely smothering Miller at the point of attack and using the running game to play keep away. Upland isn't flashy, but they could be quite effective. Glendora has been quite effectively offensively and these two teams tend to play classics. I'll go with the home team in a coin-flip game.
Upland 21, Glendora 17

Summit at Redlands
This game lost a bit of luster, as Temecula Great Oak put it on the Terriers last week 24-7. Great Oak may be improved, but losing like that to one of the least effective teams in the Southwestern League isn't a great way to start. Summit gave Etiwanda a run before falling and will get a big victory, in name at least, in this one.
Summit 19, Redlands 13

Colony at Diamond Ranch
The Titans' schedule certainly doesn't do them many favors, as Colony faces the Southeast Division runner-ups in between games against Central Division powers Los Osos and Chino Hills. Gus Viramontes threw for 254 yards against Muir last week for Diamond Ranch and will put up big numbers again.
Diamond Ranch 31, Colony 17

San Gorgonio at Hesperia
Two new coaches hit up programs that have had some recent success, as Jeremy Topete takes over a Hesperia program fresh off an Mojave River League championship and the best two seasons in Scorpion history while Ron Gueringer takes hold of a Spartan team that was second in the SAL. Hesperia won this 34-17 last year and I expect this matchup to be much of the same.
Hesperia 28, San Gorgonio 17

Vista Murrieta at Colton
The best part of playing four straight road games to start 2008 for Colton was that they get them all at home to start 2009. The opener of the Yellowjackets' four-game homestand will be a tough one, as the Broncos are traditionally one of the tougher teams in southern Riverside County. Colton lost a nailbiter last year and will return the favor tomorrow.
Colton 21, Vista Murrieta 19

Serrano at Silverado
Both of these teams are coming off season openers to forget. Serrano was held to a field goal in a 13-3 loss to Paraclete while the Hawks would have killed to have that production, getting blasted 61-0 by Gardena Serra. Serrano was closer to winning and Silverado typically starts out slow, so I'll take the Diamondbacks on the road.
Serrano 35, Silverado 14

Aquinas at Big Bear
This is always a must-see matchup among the small schools, with this year being no different. The Falcons will be making their first appearance under new head coach Nick Matheny while Big Bear is looking to get in the win column after losing a tough game to Simi Valley Grace Brethren. I think the Bears will be looking at two tough defeats.
Aquinas 24, Big Bear 20

The best of the rest:
Los Angeles Franklin 36, Don Lugo 14
Riverside Patriot 45, Citrus Valley 6
Victor Valley 27, Bellflower 10
Alta Loma 21, Carter 16
West Covina South Hills 28, Ayala 20
Bloomington 20, Ontario 17
Bonita 31, Claremont 20
Cajon 41, Eisenhower 7
Redlands East Valley 24, Clovis East 13
Rim of the World 35, Desert Hot Springs 10
Hemet West Valley 31, Arroyo Valley 21
Los Angeles Carson 21, Miller 13
Rancho Cucamonga 34, Moreno Valley Canyon Springs 6
Moreno Valley Rancho Verde 40, Yucaipa 10
Oak Hills 17, Rosamond 14
Ontario Christian 27, Calvary Murrieta 13
Fontana 17, Pacific 6
Montclair 31, Pomona 16
Barstow 38, Rialto 0
Riverside Notre Dame 21, Twentynine Palms 16
San Bernardino 23, Jurupa Valley 17
Palm Desert 37, Sultana 13
Etiwanda 27, Temecula Valley 21
Arrowhead Christian 20, Webb 7
Western Christian 21, Downey Calvary Chapel 14
Chino 25, Whittier 9
San Jacinto 34, Yucca Valley 14
Granite Hills 31, Riverside Rubidoux 0

The updated top 10. With two top 5 teams taking a tumble, there was quite a bit of shuffling.

Sun Top 10

1. Rancho Cucamonga (1-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Damien, 27-14. Up next: Friday vs. Moreno Valley Canyon Springs (0-0).

2. Redlands East Valley (0-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Clovis East (0-1).

3. Colton (0-0)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Vista Murrieta (0-0).

4. Chino Hills (1-0)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Lakewood Mayfair, 30-6. Up next: Friday vs. No. 10 Chaffey (1-0).

5. Barstow (0-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Rialto (0-0)

6. Kaiser (0-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at Apple Valley (0-0).

7. Etiwanda (1-0)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Summit, 20-17. Up next: Friday vs. Temecula Valley (0-0)

8. Cajon (1-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Duarte, 55-0. Up next: Friday at Eisenhower (0-0).

9. Upland (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Miller, 23-8. Up next: Friday vs. Glendora (0-0)

10. Chaffey (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 34-10. Up next: Friday at No. 4 Chino Hills (1-0).

Just missed the cut: Serrano (0-1), Los Osos (1-0), Ayala (1-0), Miller (0-1)

Dropped out: No. 4 Miller (0-1), No. 5 Serrano (0-1).

Yes, I realize I still have a few more teams to highlight, but high school football action starts tonight with Colony-Los Osos and Montclair-Ganesha. So we will do our Week 0 picks, where I try to look smart and end up sounding like something else. On that note...

Colony at Los Osos
The namepower of this game is pretty intense, as the Titans are just a season removed from back-to-back Central Division titles while the Grizzlies are just a season removed from three straight Baseline League titles. But both come into 2009 with something to prove.
Colony, which backslid to third place in the Mt. Baldy League last year, needs to show that 2008 was an aberration - not a trend. Los Osos loses quarterback Richard Brehaut and running back Arby Fields and will depend on 6-foot-5 senior quarterback Blake Loncar, who was accomplished at the JV level.
I'll go with Osos on this one due to homefield advantage and general skepticism about Colony.
Los Osos 21, Colony 13

Miller at Upland
Just wrote a bunch about this game for Friday's paper, but the main focus is on two things. First off, how will Miller do with Jeff Strycula taking over for Jeff Steinberg? He has some offensive weapons in QB Juan Flores and RB David Dash, but a new coaching staff plus some drama from the hazing incident leaves questions.
Upland has to replace a three-year starting QB in Josh Nunes (Stanford), RB Davion Fleming (Northwestern) and CB Osahon Irabor (Arizona State), which will be a tough task. How well are they able to do that in the early season?
I'm tempted to pick Upland here, but I have Miller ranked higher. I'll stay true to my rankings at this point.
Miller 26, Upland 24

Summit at Etiwanda
The SkyHawks are stepping up their game a notch as far as nonleague scheduling, with Etiwanda joining Redlands and Silverado on a ratched-up slate. Summit broke through with an 8-3 record last year and have a talented QB duo in juniors Josh Owes and Devon Blackmon, who will see a lot of time at WR.
Etiwanda was a mere point away from upsetting Cajon and had several other close losses in a 5-6 season this year. I'd expect a couple of those losses to turn into wins for the Eagles this year.
Etiwanda 34, Summit 23

Serrano at Paraclete
Ray Maholchic and the Diamondbacks don't exactly screw around during the nonleague schedule and this is no different, as Paraclete won the Mid-Valley championship a year ago. This will be a doozy, as Serrano outlasted Paraclete 35-28 at home a year ago and are going into the Antelope Valley for a rematch.
Expect another classic, but the result to be the same.
Serrano 27, Paraclete 24

Silverado at Gardena Serra
I just got done trumping up Serrano's schedule, but no one has a more masochistic nonleague schedule year in and year out than Silverado. I'm pretty sure if USC has a bye week next year, Carl Posey will be on the phone to Pete Carroll trying to set something up. Ok, I'm overreacting but still, starting with the Northwest Division champions is pretty crazy. Should be a fun game at the very least.
Serra 38, Silverado 26

Redlands at Temecula Oak
The senior-laden Terriers weren't able to fulfill their high expectations a year ago, going 5-6 with several close losses. Redlands will be younger but still should be tough in the trenches, which will be essential against a Temecula Oak team that comes from the tough Southwestern League.
Redlands 19, Temecula Oak 16

Damien at Rancho Cucamonga
A rout of Damien in the opener last year got the Cougars rolling last year, a roll that didn't stop until they won the Central Division championship. Damien has a new coach and a new approach, but that won't matter at all against the No. 1 team in the coverage area.
Rancho Cucamonga 35, Damien 16

Don Lugo at Ayala
If you look at last year, this should be a mismatch, as the Bulldogs were co-Sierra League champions while the Conquistadores couldn't make the playoffs in a questionable Mt. Baldy League. But Don Lugo has the top end talent in DT George Uko and DB Steven Bethley to make things uncomfortable for Ayala. I'm expecting a Bulldog victory, but it'll be tough.
Ayala 23, Don Lugo 17

Rim of the World at Banning
Two years ago, this game would have been a laugher, as Banning was one of the worst teams in the Southern Section. But they had a renaissance last year, sending out Dick Bruich and Kaiser in the first round of the playoffs last year. Against a Rim team that will be feeling its way early, Banning should have its way.
Banning 27, Rim of the World 10

Alta Loma at Chaffey
The Jose Fuentes era at Alta Loma starts with a tough matchup against the physical Tigers, led by RB Ronald Douglas and OL Jesus Cortez. Beating Chaffey is probably a little too much to ask of the Braves at this point.
Chaffey 23, Alta Loma 12

Other games of note:
Montclair 23, Ganesha 18
Big Bear 49, Simi Valley Grace Brethren 31
Cajon 26, Duarte 13
Yucca Valley 24, El Centro Central 20
Chino Hills 30, Lakewood Mayfair 25
Ontario Christian 38, Whittier Christian 17
Twentynine Palms 28, Indio 23
Western Christian 21, Covina Gladstone 6
Ontario 34, La Verne Lutheran 10

With a No. 1 national ranking and five athletes who have either signed National Letters of Intent to or have verbally committed with Division I schools, the Santa Ana Mater Dei boys basketball team have become the high school basketball version of The Beatles, employing an army of passionate Monarch fans and drumming up interest at every venue they play at.

The Monarchs made a stop in the IE Friday, heading to Upland High School to play the Highlanders in a Division I-AA second round game. The result wasn't surprising, as Mater Dei rolled 85-52 against a game Upland team who, while brilliant in spurts, couldn't quite keep up.

I sat courtside at that game and saw Upland senior post Zach Robbins, junior guard Chris Powell and freshman guard Myles Pearson hold their own against the Monarchs. But as curiousity would have it, I also watched the four Mater Dei Division I guys closely - the fifth, 6-foot-8 forward Andy Brown, who signed with Stanford, didn't play due to injury - and formulated this analysis.

So Etiwanda, who will almost certainly play Mater Dei in the D1-AA semifinals Friday if it defeats Lynwood tonight, take note.

Tyler Lamb, junior forward: Lamb is the one that most of us are familiar with, as he starred at Colony for the first two years of his career. At 6-foot-5 with quick-twitch athleticism and a smooth perimeter jumper, the UCLA verbal commit is an almost impossible one-on-one matchup at this level.

But the thing I like about Lamb is his unselfishness. With the 6-10 twins David Wear and Travis Wear, Lamb doesn't have to be "The Man". And quite frankly, he plays like he cares less about being the man. He's a jack of all trades, as he can guard the perimeter, poke out the occasional steal and rebound well in the post. But he can make the jaw-dropping athletic play, as he serving a dipsy-doo layup and a tomahawk layup against the Highlanders. He'll score more next year, but is content to be a glue guy this season.

David and Travis Wear, senior forwards: I glumped the Wear brothers together because they are twins and I am lazy. However, the McDonald's All-Americans showed a great deal of physicality and fluidity on the interior. Despite their heights, David and Travis were very arely out of control, showing good footwork while setting up in the post and on the spin move, which resulted in 12-foot jump shot opportunities and layup opportunities at the rim. David Wear also showed athleticism, being on the receiving end of an alley-oop pass from Lamb. They really didn't shoot outside of 12 feet, but they really didn't have to against Upland/

The brothers, who signed with North Carolina, also showed a great deal of maturity on the court. Whenever either of the twins were called for a foul (usually while defending Robbins), they would both quietly put their hands up acknowledging the foul and, on a couple occasions, even told the whistling referees "Good call." In a sport where whining has become more and more commonplace, that was refreshing to see.

Gary Franklin, junior guard: This was the guy that stood out to me more than anyone. Franklin, a USC verbal commit, had his way against the smaller Upland guards, creating offense pretty much at will. He's got good size at 6-3 and elite speed, as he blew by pretty much everyone on the court en route to 24 points. He also showed very good court vision, feeding the Wears in good position in the post and finding perimeter shooters for open 3-point attempts.

My only criticism really is that there seems to be a shot-put motion to his shot, especially from long range. That motion doesn't seem to have any negative effect though, as he nailed four of seven 3-pointers.

Here is the complete breakdown of Division I-A and Division I-AA signees per high school and per college.

By High School:
1. Upland 4; 2 tie. Cajon 3; Colony 3; 4 tie. Arroyo Valley 2; Diamond Ranch 2; Etiwanda 2; Los Osos 2; Rancho Cucamonga 2; Redlands 2; Redlands East Valley 2; 11 tie. Aquinas 1; Ayala 1; Bloomington 1; Colton 1; Diamond Bar 1; Eisenhower 1; Kaiser 1; Norco 1; Pomona 1; Roosevelt 1; San Bernardino 1; San Dimas 1; Yucaipa 1.

Obviously Upland was the big winner individually, especially since they had two Pac-10 guys (Josh Nunes and Osahon Irabor) and a Big Ten guy (Davion Fleming). But the city of San Bernardino had seven players (Aarein Booker, Chris Bradford, Daron Griffin, Walter Kazee, Michael Philipp, Marlon Pollard and J.P. Ragan) sign, with Colton's Nat Berhe giving the SAL another signee.

By University
1. UCLA 5; 2 tie. Oregon State 3; San Diego State 3; 4 tie. Fresno State 2; Idaho 2; New Mexico State 2; Northwestern 2; 8 tie. Air Force 1; Arizona State 1; Cal Poly SLO 1; Colorado State 1; Columbia 1; Louisville 1; Montana 1; Navy 1; New Mexico 1; Northern Arizona 1; South Florida 1; Southern Utah 1; Stanford 1; SUNY Stony Brook 1; UNLV 1; Utah 1; UTEP 1; Washington State 1.

A couple things stand out to me. The first one is the dominance of UCLA. Rick Neuheisel seems to recognize the growth of the Inland Empire and made great efforts out here, signing Marlon Pollard, Jayson Allmond, Richard Brehaut, Jared Koster and Brandon Sermons. San Diego State, who "hasn't been out here in years" according to Cajon coach Kim Battin seems to be making an IE effort under new coach Brady Hoke. Oregon State had a big year, while Fresno State continues its steady haul of local talent.

A couple of oddities exist as you go further. One is Northwestern, which picked off Fleming and Arby Fields from the Baseline League despite its location in suburban Chicago. Another is SUNY Stony Brook, who signed Taj Johnson from Upland this year, took Dominick Reyes from Hesperia last year and was in on Daron Griffin. Seems like this Long Island school is a player.

Also, look out for New Mexico State and Eastern Michigan in the future. The Aggies are now coached by former UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker - who is well-versed in the area - while Eastern Michigan is now being coached by Ganesha graduate Ron English. English recruited Southern California well for Michigan while on Lloyd Carr's staff and pulled Titus Teague from Pomona for Louisville while serving as defensive coordinator there this past season. Don't be surprised if the Eagles start coming up in conversation among 2010 recruits.

Got some changes in the San Bernardino roster for Saturday's game. If history is any precedence, these won't be the last.

Los Osos QB Richard Brehaut, a UCLA commit who played with Upland QB Josh Nunes (Stanford) in Sunday's Under Armour All-Star Game in Orlando, is out and will by replaced by Hesperia's Ian Harriman. Harriman has efficiently led Hesperia to 20 wins and a Mojave River League championship during the last two years.

Arroyo Valley offensive lineman Michael Philipp, who played Saturday in the U.S. Army All-American Game in San Antonio, also dropped out. Philipp, a four-star recruit and the best guard in the nation according to Rivals.com, is considering schools such as Oregon, Cal, Stanford, UCLA and Oregon State. He'll be replaced by Colony's Joshua Andrews, a first-team all-County and all-Inland Valley selection. Andrews has verbally committed to Oregon State.

A couple of Upland guys dropped out as well, as cornerback Osahon Irabor, an Arizona State commit, and cornerback Taj Johnson, another D-I caliber recruit, are out. They'll be replaced by Miller's Trayvon Ralph - a first-team all-County and all-Inland Valley selection - and Eisenhower receiver Taijuan Martin.

Other players on the original roster that won't play are Twentynine Palms wide receiver Montreal Harris, Etiwanda wide receiver Willie Mebane and Chino kicker Jared Taylor. Replacing them are Los Osos RB Arby Fields, a Northwestern commit, Aquinas fullback J.P. Ragan and Los Osos kicker Josh Repp.

Only a few hours before title games start, so here I go. I did OK last week, just missing Barstow-Silverado.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Upland at Rancho Cucamonga
Just to relieve Upland fans, Josh Nunes is starting at QB. There was a snafu in this morning's Daily Bulletin that ran the Cajon starting lineups instead of the Upland ones. For whatever reason, the correct Upland lineups were run in the Sun. Anyway, I could brag that I predicted this matchup, but the real bragging should go to the teams - Upland for shrugging off the Los Osos monkey and Rancho for continuing its undefeated march. I picked Rancho to win it all and I'm not turning back now.
Rancho Cucamonga 27, Upland 17

EASTERN DIVISION
Perris Citrus Hill at Barstow
Definitely an odd matchup. At one spectrum you have the Hawks, a No. 1 seed that killed everyone in its path before toughing out an 18-15 win over Serrano last week. Barstow, meanwhile, has bucked the odds all year to get to its first CIF title since 2000. Can the double-wing Aztecs pull the shocker? It should be fun in Barstow, but I got Citrus Hill in this one.
Citrus Hill 38, Barstow 26

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
Twentynine Palms at San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret's
I should save internet space and not write San Juan Capistrano again, but I did. In talking to their coach, Harry Welch, a few nights back, he was raving about the raw ability and size of the Wildcats, which he should. Twentynine Palms has some serious ballers. But I'm going to stick with the undefeated team here, even if its playing possum a bit.
St. Margaret's 31, Twentynine Palms 23

INLAND DIVISION
Temecula Chaparral vs. Corona Centennial
The Pumas were blasted by Centennial in the semis last year. They were also blasted by Norco in the title game two years ago. Chaparral got revenge on the Cougars last week and are looking to do the same against Centennial this week. But they won't. Centennial rolls to another title.
Centennial 38, Chaparral 10

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Covina Charter Oak at Diamond Ranch
I met Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton for the first time Monday. I was expecting him to look like what the Scots expected William Wallace to look like - seven feet tall with an ability to fire lightning bolts from any place on his body. He wasn't quite that, but him and the Panthers deserve a lot of credit for getting to this point after a 1-6 start. That start involved a loss to Charter Oak, which will have Diamond Ranch's number again.
Charter Oak 24, Diamond Ranch 13.

Upland cornerback/wide receiver Osahon Irabor, a verbal commitment to Arizona State, cracked the Rivals250 Thursday, moving up to No. 248. In the process, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound senior was upgraded from a three-star recruit to four stars.

Other local players ranked in the Rivals250 are Arroyo Valley offensive lineman Michael Philipp (No. 38), Los Osos quarterback Richard Brehaut (No. 56) and Cajon cornerback/wide receiver Marlon Pollard (No. 148). Brehaut is committed to UCLA while Pollard is committed to Notre Dame.

Just outside the top 250 is Upland QB Josh Nunes (Stanford) and Diamond Ranch CB Brandon Sermons (UCLA).

Fun times in the high school ranks, even with some of my picks last week taking a beating. I went 10-6 this week, sweeping the Inland Division and splitting the other three. Oh well.

CENTRAL DIVISION

No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga at No. 4 Cajon
This should be a good one and after going to each campus this week to talk to coaches and players about it, I'm excited. I won't be covering, but Clay Fowler will have a jolly old time at this one. You have two big-play spread teams, with Greg Watson and his cadre of explosive wideouts carrying the torch for Rancho and RB Walter Kazee doing the same for Cajon. I picked Rancho to win the Central title before the playoffs started, and I have to stick with it. We'll see if Cajon burns me again.
Rancho Cucamonga 33, Cajon 28

No. 2 Los Osos at Upland
Now I will be at this game, which should also be a doozy. I guess its redundant to say that a CIF semifinal game should be good, but I really don't care. What I'm looking to see is if Josh Nunes can break the Richard Brehaut jinx. Yes, I know there are plenty of other players (Arby Fields, Davion Fleming, Osahon Irabor to name three) worth mentioning, but Nunes has never beaten Brehaut. Shoot, even the two schools he verbally committed to (Tennessee and then Stanford) lost to Brehaut's school, UCLA. Upland is hoping that Nunes is due. I'm thinking he is.
Upland 34, Los Osos 27

EASTERN DIVISION

Serrano at No. 1 Perris Citrus Hill
This is where I'll be tomorrow night and quite frankly, the more I read up on Citrus Hill, the more I'm blown away. The Hawks have won all of their games by more than 26 points, average over 50 points a game and have a Division I QB in Caleb Herring and a future D-1 RB in junior Deontae Cooper. Serrano won't be intimidated, having played at Upland and Hesperia this season, but the Diamondbacks will have their hands full. Gotta go with the Hawks, though Serrano will keep it close (relatively speaking).
Citrus Hill 41, Serrano 23

Barstow at Silverado
At the very least, the Desert Sky League will get some major street cred. With two teams facing off, the DSL will get one team in the title game, definitely helping it shed the rep of being the "other" High Desert league. As for the game, its a pretty fascinating contrast in styles, with Barstow's double-wing going against Silverado's frenetic no-huddle spread offense. The Aztecs will need to chew clock to keep red-hot Hawk QB Jemeryn Jenkins off the field. They'll have their moments, but Silverado seems to be on a mission.
Silverado 36, Barstow 20

EAST VALLEY DIVISION

No. 1 St. Margaret's 38, Pasadena Maranatha 27

Fillmore at Twentynine Palms
Both of these teams are surprises of sorts. For the host Wildcats, the surprise isn't that they are here, but the way they destroyed Aquinas to get here. Twentynine Palms had defeated the Falcons during the regular season, so a win wasn't shocking, but a 40-0 whitewashing certainly was. The Flashes were more of the conventional surprise, upsetting No. 2-seeded Brentwood to get here. I think the Wildcats, who have scored 103 points in the playoffs so far, continue to roll.
Twentynine Palms 42, Fillmore 17

INLAND DIVISION

No. 1 Corona Centennial 42, Murrieta Valley 13

No. 3 Temecula Chaparral at Norco
These two teams last faced off in the 2006 Inland finals, with Norco placing a 43-0 beating on the Pumas. Chaparral, making its third straight semifinal appearance, its pretty rough on defense, as they beat Redlands East Valley up front in a 20-0 shutout. Norco has made its living on physical play, so this should be a good one, but I feel Chaparral is due.
Chaparral 21, Norco 10

Last week: 10-6. Overall record: 242-60-4.

Doing this a little early, as I'm off doing the holiday thing for the next two days. Not a bad week last week, though its fair to say that I screwed up games involving public schools in the Redlands Metropolitan Area.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Paloma Valley at No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga
So my upset special wasn't special. Actually, my real upset special was Glendora, but it's all good. Paloma Valley did well, but they'll have their hands full with Rancho, which received quite a scare last week for Colton. Look for Greg Watson and the Rancho passing attack to carry their big fourth quarter over.
Rancho Cucamonga 33, Paloma Valley 20

No. 4 Cajon at Ayala
I was at the Cajon-Etiwanda game last week and it was a hum-dinger, as both teams played their hearts out. The win was big for the Cowboys' psyche, just because they don't have to hear the 'Well, you are just a product of the SAL' talk as much. What they will have to deal with is a darn good Ayala team that can come at you in waves. I picked Ayala before the playoffs and am sticking with that.
Ayala 30, Cajon 27

Glendora at Upland
The jaw-dropping score of the week definitely came from Glendora, which destroyed No. 3 Hemet West Valley. I'll pat my back because I predicted an upset, but I didn't expect the beatdown that took place. Upland beat down Chaffey, which was expected, and plays the Tartans for the third time since last November. Each team has one, and I'm predicting Upland to win the rubber match.
Upland 34, Glendora 28

No. 2 Los Osos at Chino Hills
Richard Brehaut used his legs more than his arm to lead the Grizzlies to victory last week. That's nice, but that ain't going to fly against Chino Hills. The Huskies bulldozed San Gorgonio 52-14 thanks to a monster day from RB A.J. Johnson. Chino Hills keeps plugging along to little fan fare (despite Fowler's exemplary article) and will do so again, "upsetting" Los Osos.
Chino Hills 27, Los Osos 21

EASTERN DIVISION

No. 1 Perris Citrus Hill 36, Palm Desert 25

Serrano at Banning
I'm not going to lie, Banning's win over Kaiser shocked me. I did not see that coming. I guess i should get to know more about Banning, but I don't think they are going to knock off another Eastern power. Serrano trounced La Quinta behind junior RB Dionza Bradford and could very well be the dark horse in this bracket. The Banning story is a good one, but one that will end.
Serrano 28, Banning 14

No. 3 Palm Springs at Barstow
The Aztecs are another one of those teams that doesn't get hype but wins. They can throw three RBs at you in the double-wing and have some massive hombres blocking. But Palm Springs is red-hot and this is pretty much what they do. After whipping Summit, Palm Springs will have its way with Barstow late.
Palm Springs 23, Barstow 16

No. 2 Hesperia at Silverado
Don't look now but the Hawks, who started 0-6, are amazingly still alive and quite a threat behind QB Jemeryn Jenkins. Jenkins is a ridiculous talent, slicing and dicing Patriot for 406 yards last week. However, Hesperia put on a clinic against Notre Dame, barely breaking a sweat in winning 55-27. The rested Scorpions have a little too much sting.
Hesperia 31, Silverado 19

EAST VALLEY DIVISION

No. 1 St. Margaret's at Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley has been an awesome story, recovering from several tattered years to win a De Anza League co-championship and a playoff game. It's a great job Tim Connavo is doing out there. However, this isn't going to be pretty. St. Margaret's hasn't been challenged all year and Yucca, for all their strengths, don't have the ability to.
St. Margaret's 41, Yucca Valley 16

Pasadena Maranatha at Big Bear
The Bears made me look smart, which is hard to do, coming up with the brassy 33-32 upset over No. 4 Santa Paula. It's been a tough year at Big Bear, but you know the Bears will growl at playoff time. I'll be up the hill to watch them take on Maranatha, which is just annoying to type. So I'll predict. I am tempted to take the Bears, but I picked the other team (see what I did there?) last week. Can't change now.
Maranatha 24, Big Bear 20

No. 3 Aquinas at Twentynine Palms
I kind of wish I was at this game Friday, because this one is going to be a war. Aquinas has been rolling over fools this year behind QB Tyler Stirewalt and his merry band of skill-position playmakers, but the Falcons' only loss came to Twentynine Palms - a team that put 63 up on Brethren Christian last week. I expect the Palms to be jumping, but Aquinas to exact revenge.
Aquinas 28, Twentynine Palms 26

No. 2 Brentwood 27, Fillmore 13

INLAND DIVISION

No. 1 Corona Centennial 42, Vista Murrieta 10

No. 4 Miller at Murrieta Valley
The Rebels looked awesome on offense in their 48-21 victory over Roosevelt, gaining well over 500 yards and looking like the juggernaut unit it was last year under A.J. Springer. yeah, Juan Flores and David Dash next year could be mad scary. However, the defense has showed some signs of slippage lately, which won't be helped by Murrieta Valley. I have the Rebels losing a heartbreaker on the road, similar to their loss to Chaparral last year.
Murrieta Valley 28, Miller 23

Redlands East Valley at No. 3 Temecula Chaparral
After impaling the Santiago Sharks, REV looks to take out a Chaparral team that's been hell on the CBL in recent years. The Pumas took out REV two years ago and Miller this year, meaning they have run up quite a tab. The REV offense has erupted lately, but I don't see them evening the bill this week. I will be at the game though to see if I'm wrong and to see if Lindsay Soto is there. I can always hope.
Chaparral 23, Redlands East Valley 19

Norco 27, Riverside North 17

Last week: 26-6. Overall: 232-54-4.

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

Here we go going into the playoffs. The same 10 teams make up the poll for the third straight week.

1. Miller (10-0)
After a pseudo-scare against Eisenhower last week, the Rebels got back to dominating by whupping Fontana this week. I wasn't surprised by it, as the Rebel players I saw at the REV-Redlands game last week guaranteed a better effort this week. It will be interesting to see where they are slated tomorrow.

2. Rancho Cucamonga (9-0-1)
Wind gusts at Los Osos High School really changed the dynamic of their game against Upland, but Rancho, as has been the case all season, stepped it up. Winning a loaded Baseline this year is extremely impressive.

3. Hesperia (10-0)
The Scorpions are straight ballin' right now, just destroying everyone in the High Desert at this point. I'm expecting Hesperia to be the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Division when brackets are released tomorrow.

4. Redlands East Valley (9-1)
The Wildcats showed no emotional hangover from the Redlands win, disposing of a decent Eisenhower team pretty easily. It will be interesting to see how REV's bend-but-don't-break defense plays in the postseason.

5. Los Osos (8-2)
Arby Fields celebrated his commitment to Northwestern by running wild against Etiwanda, assuring the Grizzlies of a high seed in the Central Bracket tomorrow. This team is probably the most complete one that Osos has seen.

6. Cajon (9-1)
The Cowboys laid waste to the San Andreas League, breaking the Colton strangehold on that lead. How their game will translate against teams from the Baseline and Sierra Leagues remains to be seen.

7. Chino Hills (9-1)
The Huskies avoid the late-season swoon that has happened the past couple of years by beating Diamond Bar. They are definitely a team no one wants to face in the Central Division.

8. Upland (8-2)
This seems a little harsh, but your offense needs to be able to score points no matter what the conditions are. But, barring another onslaught of gale-force winds, Upland is a No. 3 seed that is going to anger whoever is unlucky to face them this week.

9. Ayala (8-2)
Losing to Glendora isn't the best way to celebrate the Chino Hills victory, but it was ultimately harmless in the grand scheme of things, as Ayala won the coin flip and the No. 1 seed anyway.

10. Kaiser (6-3-1)
The Cats are rolling and will be a tough team to beat in the Eastern playoffs. Sure, Patriot was overrated a bit, but it doesn't detract from the impressive nature of Friday's victory.

Just missed the cut: Chaffey (8-2), Serrano (7-3), Aquinas (9-1).

Another mediocre week for my picking, as I only went 19-7 in my picks. I'll blame Chino Hills for that...no, actually Chino Hills should blame me for jumping on their bandwagon and causing a flat tire.

Upland at Rancho Cucamonga
Another big Baseline battle, as the team with 3-4 senior Division I prospects this year (Upland) plays the team that will have that many next year (Rancho Cucamonga). Expect lots of passing, lots of scoring and lots of fun. Yeah, it sounds like I'm advertising an afternoon at Knotts Berry Farm, but this one should be a good one. I'm going with the home team because I can't think of any other way to seperate these stud teams.
Rancho Cucamonga 38, Upland 31

Kaiser at Riverside Patriot
It's only fitting that Dick Bruich's last game will be for the Sunkist League championship, something that has been almost taken for granted by Kaiser fans and sportswriters. Like Kaiser, Patriot employs a hard-nosed, downhill running game and a physical defense. But no one plays sock-your-mouth football better than the Cats, at least in the Sunkist League.
Kaiser 23, Patriot 10

Colton at Arroyo Valley
For all intents and purposes, this game is for the final playoff spot in the San Andreas League. Sure, there are some weird coinflips that could happen with upsets and things of the like, but barring a San Berdoo High shocker, this is the game. Colton seems to have a little more momentum coming in and seriously, can you imagine the playoffs without Harold Strauss? Neither can I.
Colton 28, Arroyo Valley 14

Glendora at Ayala
Pop quiz hotshot. You've just beaten your crosstown rival in an upset. What are you going to do? What are you going to do? Host another game with league-championship implications of course. It might be tough for Tom Inglima to get his Bulldogs down from the high of the Chino Hills win but he'll have to, as defending Sierra champion Glendora is no slouch. However, it seems to be a rule in the Sierra League that allows for equal title time in football. So Ayala wins this year and Diamond Bar is the favorite in 2009.
Ayala 31, Glendora 25

Eisenhower at Redlands East Valley
The Eagles played their hearts out last week against Miller, giving the favored Rebels all they could handle before falling 28-21. Unfortunately for Ike, their playoff hopes might have fallen with that game. If Ike can pull an upset on a REV team due for a letdown after the big win over Redlands, then they'll be the biggest Rialto High fans ever - as the Knights have to beat Yucaipa. Unfortunately, it will be too hard to get the first phase of the job done.
Redlands East Valley 23, Eisenhower 9

Colony at Ontario
The Jaguars are a good story this year, as the heroics of quarterback/defensive back Herman Huezo have Ontario in the playoffs for the first time since 2003. Colony was in its infancy as a school back then, but has two CIF titles since the Jags last touched the postseason. The point of all this is even though Colony won't get a Mt. Baldy title, they won't lose to the spunky Jaguars either.
Colony 24, Ontario 6

Victor Valley at Ridgecrest Burroughs
It's pretty amazing that the Jackrabbits, who were winless the previous two seasons before this one, are in a win-and-in situation in this game. It's also amazing that the Burros could either win the league and get the No. 1 seed in the playoffs or miss them entirely based on this game. Such is the life in the Desert Sky League, not usually a bastion for parity. Victor Valley will give it a run, but Burroughs is too tough at home.
Ridgecrest Burroughs 30, Victor Valley 17

Apple Valley at Hesperia
We'll keep it up in the High Desert and take a journey to Hesperia, where the Scorpions can notch their first-ever Mojave River League outright title and set a school record for wins if they beat the Sun Devils. It's been a close-but-no-cigar year for Apple Valley, just to throw a cliche' out there. The Sun Devils have to still be kicking themselves about the second half against Rim of the World, which won't help them upset Hesperia.
Hesperia 35, Apple Valley 20

Arrowhead Christian at Aquinas
The Eagles have been a pleasant surprise, rolling up six wins and setting themselves up for an at-large bid in the East Valley Division playoffs should they lose this game. Unfortunately, should could be replaced by probably, which would ruin the sentence structure but bring up the main point, which is that Aquinas is scary good. QB Tyler Stirewalt put over 300 yards passing on Ontario Christian last week, something he can replicate tomorrow if he chooses.
Aquinas 42, Arrowhead Christian 14

Yucca Valley at Desert Mirage
This is historic, as this is the first time I've ever mentioned Desert Mirage in the main body of this predictions entry. So after I open up a few bottles of champagne, I'll mention how both of these teams are greatly improved and fighting for the last automatic playoff spot out of the De Anza League. Then I'll predict Yucca Valley to win a close one.
Yucca Valley 24, Desert Mirage 22

Other games of note:
Los Osos 31, Etiwanda 21
Alta Loma 21, Claremont 12
Miller 38, Fontana 7
Yucaipa 30, Rialto 14
Redlands 28, Carter 17
Ontario Christian 33, Western Christian 20
Big Bear 28, Desert Hot Springs 10
Barstow 34, Granite Hills 13
Serrano 42, Sultana 0
Rim of the World 45, Lynwood Firebaugh 6
Chaffey 35, Don Lugo 10
Cajon 51, San Bernardino 3
San Gorgonio 34, Pacific 8
Chino Hills 41, Diamond Bar 10
Damien 27, Chino 12
Summit 28, Bloomington 13

Overall record: 183-45-4

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.

A little late on all my blogging, so I'll try to catch up a bit. Only real movement this week involved the Sierra League.

1. Miller (9-0)
The Rebels had a letdown against a spirited Eisenhower team and didn't exactly win many style points in their 28-21 triumph. However, I'm not going to down a team for being a little flat after two emotional wins. Plus, the Rebels seem to realize what being No. 1 means - the best effort from every opponent.

2. Rancho Cucamonga (8-0-1)
I kept the Cougars here at two despite another impressive win. However, they have a huge showdown this week with Upland. Get a win there and Rancho might have a good case to jump Miller.

3. Hesperia (9-0)
Winning up on the mountain 41-12, which Hesperia did against Rim of the World, is pretty impressive, especially coming off the emotional win over Serrano. Only Apple Valley stands in the way of an undefeated regular season and plush playoff seed.

4. Upland (8-1)
The Highlanders had to scratch and claw to get away from a game Etiwanda team, but that doesn't deserve any grief. However, a similar performance against Rancho Cucamonga would not be advised.

5. Redlands East Valley (8-1)
The Wildcats aren't flashy and quite frankly, could have very easily gone down to Redlands this weekend. But REV seems to have a "refuse-to-lose" moxie to them, something that will help them immensely in the postseason.

6. Los Osos (7-2)
The Grizzlies took care of Claremont to the surprise of absolutely nobody. But their finale will be a dogfight, as they'll be facing an Etiwanda team that could be playing for its playoff life.

7. Cajon (8-1)
The Cowboys destroyed Arroyo Valley this week, so they earn the right not to get jumped. I was tempted to put Ayala here, but I gave Cajon the benefit of the doubt, if just for this week.

8. Ayala (8-1)
The Bulldogs won "The Bone" again by beating Chino Hills. I'm not sure they recognize the trophy, but Ayala definitely recognizes a chance to be the fifth different Sierra League champion in five years.

9. Chino Hills (8-1)
Tough, tough loss for the Huskies. It will be interesting to see how Chino Hills responds and how much mental toughness they have in comparison to some CHHS teams of the recent past.

10. Kaiser (5-3-1)
Kaiser destroyed Jurupa Valley, which doesn't really surprise anyone. You know that the Cats, who saw Jurupa kill their 31-game Sunkist win streak a year ago, had to feel good about getting revenge. A showdown with Riverside Patriot for the Sunkist League title awaits.

Just missed the cut: Chaffey (7-2), Serrano (6-3), Aquinas (8-1)

Missed the Broncos-Browns game and the college games tonight. Oh well. Maybe I should concentrate more on high schools anyway, as the upsets last week left me an unsatisfactory 16-8 last week. Gotta do better than that.

Redlands at Redlands East Valley
This should be one of the more animated games of the season, with vitrol coming from both sides. Can REV recover from its loss to Miller? Will Redlands hype itself way too much and hit a fatal lull? A couple of interesting things. This game has gone Red-REV-Red-REV-Red-REV the last six years and every year REV has won, its won a league title. It's Redlands' turn in the cycle and REV won't likely win a title, so I'm going with the Terriers.
Redlands 21, Redlands East Valley 17

Ayala at Chino Hills
I pick against Chino Hills quite a bit. They end up making me look dumber than I already am. I'm sick of looking dumb, at least when it comes to Chino Hills. So yeah, I'm picking the Huskies this week. Are you happy? Are you not entertained? Wait, don't answer the last one.
Chino Hills 27, Ayala 22

Arroyo Valley at Cajon
Michael Philipp was honored this week with a berth in the U.S. Army All-American game, a great achievement for the Arroyo Valley offensive lineman. Now if Philipp could carry the ball, the Hawks would be in business. Losing to San Berdoo was definitely a slap in the face, and Cajon is straight ballin' right now. Probably too hard for Arroyo to turn it around this week.
Cajon 31, Arroyo Valley 10

Etiwanda at Upland
Upland should be all hyped-up for a showdown with Rancho Cucamonga next week but can hardly afford to overlook the Eagles in this game. Both of these teams can pass (seriously, who in the Baseline can't?) but I think the Highlanders have a little more talent across the board.
Upland 38, Etiwanda 24

Patriot at Summit
Summit used a lifeline last week against Norte Vista, phoning a friend and getting a 26-point second half to eke out a 32-28 victory after being down 28-6. That isn't going to work against a solid Patriot team that will almost assuredly be the first Patriot/Rubidoux/whatever team to get a playoff berth since 2001. Summit will disrupt a potential Sunkist showdown between Patriot and Kaiser next week with a win.
Summit 27, Patriot 20

Ontario at Chaffey
After the huge overtime win over Colony, it would be easy for the Tigers to strut down Euclid Avenue and feel high and mighty. But this Ontario team, also undefeated in the Mt. Baldy League, can bite them if Chaffey isn't careful. QB Herman Huezo has been a dual-threat force for the Jaguars, but he won't be enough.
Chaffey 34, Ontario 19

Hesperia at Rim of the World
A tricky game for the Scorpions after the big win over Serrano last week, as they have to face a physical Rim team up the mountain, where they are privvy to dealing with fog, snow, smoke and whatever other meterological annoyance is liable to crop up. I think Hesperia has too much depth and too many playmakers though.
Hesperia 35, Rim of the World 16

Aquinas at Ontario Christian
The Ontario Christian spread offense erupted against ACA this past week and just in time, as the Knights were on a four-game win streak. While the Knights have struggled with the new schemes, Aquinas is tossing the ball around effortlessly with QB Tyler Stirewalt and WR Jim Jones. Just way too much firepower on the Falcons' side.
Aquinas 38, Ontario Christian 20

Big Bear at Twentynine Palms
While 29 is looking for its second straight championship, it still has a mountain to climb - figuratively, not literally - against Big Bear. The two teams didn't play last year due to the wildfires in the San Bernardino Mountains and corresponding smoke, so Big Bear gets to defend its honor a bit. I say 29 completes this title though.
Twentynine Palms 28, Big Bear 23

Victor Valley at Barstow
Yes, the Desert Sky League needs love too, especially since Burroughs' win over Silverado made it a four-team clusterbomb for three playoff berths. The Jackrabbits and Aztecs are essentially playing an elimination game in this one, especially Victor Valley, which has Ridgecrest Burroughs on the docket next week. Barstow takes this.
Barstow 32, Victor Valley 21

Other games of note, led by the one I have to leave for in a few minutes:
Miller 28, Eisenhower 6
Carter 24, Yucaipa 20
Fontana 20, Rialto 17
Western Christian 30, Arrowhead Christian 17
Rancho Cucamonga 35, Alta Loma 10
Los Osos 45, Claremont 7
San Gorgonio 31, San Bernardino 13
Colton 48, Pacific 6
Kaiser 45, Jurupa Valley 0
Bloomington 23, Norte Vista 21
Apple Valley 38, Sultana 12
Serrano 31, Ridgecrest Burroughs 23
Silverado 33, Granite Hills 14
Colony 41, Montclair 15
Yucca Valley 30, Acton Vasquez 10
Glendora 24, Chino 10

Overall record: 164-38-4

Lots of topsy-turviness this week, as last week's poll was turned upside down.

1. Miller (8-0)
Congratulations to the Rebels, who shut down previous No. 1 Redlands East Valley, giving the Wildcats their first regular-season loss since September 2006. Miller now can see a Citrus Belt League title staring it in its face.

2. Rancho Cucamonga (7-0-1)
I'm a man of my word if nothing else. I said should Rancho defeat Los Osos, it would make a huge jump. The Cougars did that and now have the pole position in the chase for a Baseline League title. Just a great story, especially given the star power of Osos and Upland.

3. Hesperia (8-0)
The Scorpions took a huge step toward that elusive Mojave River League title, beating a Serrano team that has traditionally been a thorn in its side. A tricky road game at Rim of the World is next, but Hesperia is looking pretty darn good right now.

4. Upland (7-1)
The Highlanders were impressive, showing no hangover from the loss to Los Osos. I felt kind of funny putting Upland past the Grizzlies, but I feel that Los Osos' two losses give me justification for such a move.

5. Redlands East Valley (7-1)
The Wildcats tumble to here, as their inconsistent offensive play finally caught up with them against Miller. It doesn't get much easier for REV, as a tricky crosstown showdown with Redlands next on the docket.

6. Chino Hills (8-0)
Big win for the Huskies at Glendora, as Chino Hills continues to march on. I contemplated moving the Huskies even higher than this, but like with Rancho, they'll eventually get there if they take care of business.

7. Los Osos (6-2)
This was the toughest team to rank, as I almost dropped the Grizzlies to 8th after their loss to Rancho. However, their quality wins are quality, and I couldn't possibly justify putting Los Osos behind a Cajon team that it beat on the road.

8. Cajon (7-1)
The Cowboys actually moved down despite rolling Pacific, but that was more due to big wins by Rancho and Chino Hills than anything the Cowboys did or didn't do. Either way, Cajon stayed on track for a San Andreas League title.

9. Ayala (7-1)
The Bulldogs took care of business against Damien, setting up a huge crosstown showdown with Chino Hills as the Sierra League title hangs in the balance. Should be a great one at Chino Hills High on Friday.

10. Kaiser (4-3-1)
This last spot was tough, as there were 4 or 5 other teams that could have conceivably been in this spot. However, I like the way Kaiser has played of late and would put their three losses (Riverside North, Cajon and Los Osos) against anyone else's. So the Cats get the nod for now.

Just missed the cut: Chaffey (6-2), Etiwanda (5-3), Serrano (5-3).
Dropped out: No. 9 Serrano (5-3).