3 things I think about prep football's Week 2
- I think Etiwanda QB Angel Santiago is ready to lead his team to contention for a Baseline League/CIF title (they're comparable accomplishments in the Central Division). Though this is his third year as a starter, I wasn't drinking the Kool-aid until I saw Santiago play Friday in a 37-27 loss to a Norco team anybody in the Central Division would have a tough time with. His numbers the past two seasons have been great but whenever I saw Santiago play, I was less than impressed. This year, not so much. He's got more zip on his passes, he's quicker to make decisions running and throwing and he's a better leader. Norco coach Todd Gerhart readily admitted nobody is going to stop Santiago for four quarters.
- I think Pomona has a realistic shot at the playoffs this season. The Red Devils liked to talk about the playoffs last year but really weren't terribly close to beating any of the three playoff teams in the Valle Vista League - their average margin of defeat to San Dimas, Northview and Covina was 17.7 points. Pomona has more visible talent this season than I can remember in my three years here. San Dimas will probably win the league but last year's champ, Northview, is having a rough season, to put it lightly. Pomona has a fightin' chance with Covina and Baldwin Park for those final two postseason berths.
- I think if Rancho Cucamonga beats Charter Oak in a battle of defending CIF champs, it could have the first real shot at a bowl game since California started the state-championship format. The odds are against Rancho running the table in the Baseline League with Etiwanda improved and Upland and Los Osos still strong. But they did it last year. Now they've got the star power to gain consideration for a bowl game. A win over a Charter Oak team that could win a second straight CIF title coupled with a second consecutive CIF championship for Rancho... there's a long way to go but for the first time the Inland Valley has a chance to land a team in a state championship game.
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About Clay
Clay Fowler has been covering high school sports for six years in California and Texas. He was born in Dallas, attended the University of Texas and worked in Central Texas before joining the Daily Bulletin staff in 2006.
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Los Osos isn't that strong -- inconsistant on offense, pourous on defense.
You saw them against Riverside North. They'll be lucky to win five games this year.
D-Pope! I think you're right on with the five wins. BUT, that doesn't mean Los Osos isn't a quality team. Their nonleague schedule is about as tough as it gets for anyone around here: North, Vista Murrieta, Colony (who hasn't lost since Los Osos beat them)... even the worst teams on their nonleague schedule are decent in Redlands and West Ranch. Their league is pretty brutal too. Rancho is awesome, Upland is stout again and Etiwanda is better than last year. This in a league that comprised three of the four Central Division semifinalists.