DON'T THINK. IT CAN ONLY HURT THE BALLCLUB

As you peruse these rankings, keep in mind that my preseason No. 1 last year - a team that shall remain nameless (ahem, Chino Hills) - missed the playoffs. Without further ado, here are the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin's preseason top 10...

1. Los Osos
Had Upland won this game last year, it would probably be No. 1. UCLA-committed QB Richard Brehaut is the absolute real deal and will have a MONSTER year if a young O-line can protect him. He and Arby Fields are the best backfield in the area.
2. Upland
We'll settle this No.1-No.2 debate on Oct. 24. Tennessee probably wishes it already had Upland QB Josh Nunes on its roster (maybe he and Brehaut will face off again next year, only in Knoxville, Tenn., instead of Rancho Cucamonga).
3. Colony
Twice is a trend. The two-time defending CIF champs have built a program. This year, however, that have to contend with the Baseline and Sierra Leagues in the playoffs. Coach Anthony Rice: "If we have it easy, now they have it easy too."
4. Norco
Speaking of programs, last season was the first time in four years the Cougars didn't make an appearance in the CIF championship. They'll improve on last year's "disappointing" season even though their regular-season record may not reflect it.
5. Miller
The Rebels will miss dynamic quarterback A.J. Springer but they've got plenty of weapons in their spread offense, including Fontana transfer David Dash.
6. Ayala
The team that finished second in the Sierra League by a touchdown returns 14 starters. Their only question seems to be at QB. The 0-10 days are a distant memory.
7. Diamond Ranch
The Panthers have the motivation: they had to forfeit five wins last season after discovering an error in the paperwork of a transfer. Their defense will be awesome.
8. Etiwanda
The defending co-Baseline League champs return 17 starters. This will be junior QB Angel Santiago's breakout year. They'll give Upland and Los Osos all they can handle.
9. San Dimas
Nico Barbone will run for 2,000 yards if he's not on the bench too much during garbage time. The Saints just hope they don't draw Oaks Christian in the first round again.
10. Chaffey
The Tigers rugged style is timeless. If they can add a semblance of a passing attack to their brutal running game, they might improve on their 9-2 mark of last year.
Others receiving votes: Bonita, Kaiser, Chino Hills, Damien.