Here’s a more in-depth version of the Sun’s Top 10, which ran in the paper this morning. I’ll have this released earlier in the upcoming weeks.
1. Redlands East Valley (0-0)
I almost dropped the Wildcats from this perch, but felt like they should have the opportunity to defend that preseason ranking in a game before they do that. If REV can beat two-time defending CIF-SS Central champ Riverside North Friday, it will earn this ranking.
2. Upland (1-0)
After the way the Highlanders trashed Colony in Ontario on Friday, I almost convinced myself to have them jump REV. While Colony is young, a 42-7 win is a statement. Upland has another statement to make against Glendora, the team that eliminated it from the playoffs last year.
3. Serrano (1-0)
The Diamondbacks also made a definitive early statement, taking down a very good Paraclete team and moving up a spot in the process. They should continue to roll in their rivalry game with Silverado.
4. Los Osos (1-0)
The Grizzlies kept up with their Baseline League rivals with a nice victory over a traditionally strong Bishop Amat team. They have a tough road game at Cajon this week.
5. Miller (1-0)
Juan Flores’ first game at Miller went pretty well, while the defense looked stout in a 21-3 victory over Palm Springs. Both good signs for the Rebels.
6. Colton (0-0)
This might be the most intriguing game of the week from my perspective, as a relatively green Yellowjackets team has to go on the road to face a Vista Murrieta team fresh off ruining Redlands’ stadium debut.
7. Cajon (1-0)
The Cowboys have been slow starters traditionally, which makes their victory over El Toro on the road Friday that much more important. If they take out Los Osos, a top 5 ranking is imminent.
8. Colony (0-1)
Losing to Upland is nothing to be ashamed of. Losing 42-7 is something to be ashamed of. I guess I could have bounced the Titans out of the rankings altogether, but two straight CIF titles give Colony more rope than most.
9. Kaiser (0-0)
The last year of the Dick Bruich era starts with the grand opening of a brand-new on-campus stadium and a good game against the Sun Devils. Confidence is high at Kaiser.
10. Arroyo Valley (1-0)
This was the game I was at Friday and I was impressed by the hard-running of DeMarcus White and the discipline of the Hawks’ front seven defensively. White runs forward with very little wasted motion while the defense does a good job of funneling ball-carriers toward tacklers.
Others to watch: Hesperia (0-0), Chaffey (0-0), Redlands (0-1), Ayala (1-0).
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