Football preview: Preseason Top 10
1. UPLAND (12-2)
he defending CIF-SS Central Division champion returns just three starters from the best defense in the Inland Valley, but junior running back Donta Abron, an Alta Loma transfer, and returning quarterback Justin Nunes could help turn the Highlanders back into an offensive force.
2. CHINO HILLS (10-3)
Fifteen starters return from a team that lost a semifinal
3. RANCHO CUCAMONGA (10-3)
The Cougars graduated a banner 2009 class, but with a mammoth offensive line in front of veteran running back Sateki Finau and a revamped defense, Rancho Cucamonga doesn't figure to drop off.
4. KAISER (9-4)
The Cats exited the 2009 playoffs in jarring fashion, a 41-0 semifinal loss to Palm Springs, but with nine consecutive Sunkist League titles and counting, their smashmouth style earns them respect every year.
5. LOS OSOS (9-5)
After heavy losses in 2008, the Grizzlies advanced to the first CIF championship game in school history last year. Who's to say they won't keep getting better?
6. DIAMOND RANCH (7-7)
The Panthers reached their second consecutive CIF-SS Southeast Division championship game last year. Perhaps with a lighter nonleague slate, they'll have a shinier record this year.
7. SAN DIMAS (13-1)
The Saints return 14 starters from the first CIF championship team in school history. Even the loss of quarterback Shawn Kennedy won't slow them down, thanks to transfer quarterback Cody Watts.
8. SUMMIT (6-6)
The SkyHawks have improved in every season since Summit's inception, and this year will be no different. Kaiser finally may have a team to worry about in the Sunkist League.
9. CHAFFEY (7-5)
A field goal away from advancing to the CIF semifinals last season, Chaffey is fielding the largest offensive line that 12th-year coach Chris Brown can remember. If some skill players emerge, they'll be a title contender.
10. COLONY (10-2)
The first year of the Matt Bechtel era will be an interesting one to watch. Success seemingly will come eventually. The question is, will it arrive this season?
Others receiving votes: Claremont (5-5), Miller (5-6), Etiwanda (8-4).
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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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Chino Hills should be ranked #1 based on what they have returning and the fact that they lost a very close game to Upland in the semis last year....Upland has lost too many players. A team that I think will surprise a lot of people this year is Claremont. They have a great QB & Receivers and now have an all league RB transfer from Pomona. Their line also looked solid at the Los Osos linemen comp. It is funny to see a top 10 without Ayala listed. I hear their is turmoil in Bulldog land. I am hearing that some starters including returning RB Mauricio Reynoso have quit......anyone else have info on this?
Come on Chino Hills is way over ranked. They should be at the most maybe 5 or 6. I saw them all summer and they are good, but not that good. But let the games begin and we will see. Talk is cheap I know. None of these teams have proven a thing yet. I do not think they will even win their own league.
we beat Upland last year, where should we be ranked ?
I can only rank teams from the Daily Bulletin coverage area, that's bordered on the west by San Dimas/Diamond Bar and on the east by Rialto.
Serrano Dad, not sure what game you were at last year, but you lost to UPland