Week 0 scorelist

Just got back from Redlands. This is what I got.

Redlands 23, Temecula Great Oak 16
Claremont 31, Cajon 14
Rialto 21, Moreno Valley 12
Citrus Valley 51, Silver Valley 14
Upland 21, Miller 16
Los Osos 20, Colony 7
Chaffey 35, Alta Loma 21
Apple Valley 24, Barstow 7
Ayala 35, Don Lugo 13
Chino Hills 28, Lakewood Mayfair 14
Desert Hot Springs 28, Aquinas 21
Twentynine Palms 19, Palm Desert Xavier Prep 14
Whittier Christian 49, Ontario Christian 20
Serrano 35, Paraclete 14
Rancho Cucamonga 42, Silverado 7
Ridgecrest Burroughs 36, Hesperia 3
Lancaster Eastside 22, Granite Hills 19
Yucca Valley 14, Rubidoux 14
El Monte Arroyo 35, Ontario 14

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Experience has Eisenhower excited

The first year under Patrick Lord wasn’t exactly the greatest in Eisenhower football history. The Eagles, behind quarterback Richard Redd, were exciting offensively but couldn’t stop anyone on defense, leading to a 1-9 record and a three-way tie for last place in the Citrus Belt League.

But despite that, Lord is pumped. With 17 starters returning from last year’s youthful group and an entire offseason to work with, the Eagles feel that their performance in 2010 will show considerable improvement.

“I feel that we’ve learned a lot and have come more together as a team because of what we went through,” Lord said. “I feel like these kids are ready to win and, more importantly, they think they can win.”
Continue reading “Experience has Eisenhower excited” »

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Preseason All-Sun football team

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

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Week 0 predictions

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

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Pacific hoping that youth is served

The future looks decent for Pacific football, as they have 22 players in the sophomore and junior classes that they feel are capable of playing at the varsity level. Problem is that there aren’t a ton of seniors ahead of them, as only 13 will be part of Oscar Torres’ third season at Pacific.

“Our numbers are up in the younger grades and we have some guys that are really going to be good,” Torres said. “I wish we had a few more seniors coming back to lead to way, but we’ll have to depend on our younger guys to step in and play older than they are.”

The Pirates aren’t completely without veteran leadership, as quarterback Leo Davis (6-0, 180) returns for another year, as do offensive lineman/defensive lineman Luis Barcenas (5-10, 185) and multipurpose player Kevin Hardy (5-11, 185). Hardy will play receiver, safety, linebacker and running back for Pacific.
Continue reading “Pacific hoping that youth is served” »

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Aquinas moving leagues

The traditional rivalry for Christian League supremacy much of this decade was Aquinas and Ontario Christian, as the teams split titles the last eight years. And even though both teams are moving to the Christian League, that rivalry should be just as intense.

The Falcons have won the last three meetings, therefore winning the last three league titles. Last year, Aquinas went 7-4 behind an elite cast of players that included QB/WR Jim Jones, who signed with UTEP, RB Derrick Radden, LB Jake Henderson and DL Uche Amajoyi. Those four players depart, but the Falcons are expected to be as tough as ever.

Nick Matheny returns for his second year at coach with a team that should be stout up front and has talented, albeit young, players filling in at the skill positions.
Continue reading “Aquinas moving leagues” »

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Rialto forging through tumultuous offseason

If there’s one thing that can be said about Rialto’s offseason, it’s that it wasn’t boring. The Knights were uprooted from their league, moving from the Citrus Belt League to the San Andreas League. They changed coaches twice, removing Eric Rodriguez for Don Markham, only to see Markham resign in May due to allegations of misconduct toward players.

Now in place at Rialto is Gavin Pachot. Pachot was an assistant the last three years under Rodriguez and is technically the acting head coach of the Knights, which assures him of keeping the job through the end of the season.

“I’m excited to get started and I’m really not looking too far down the road,” Pachot said. “They’ll either hire me full-time after the season or open the job up for me and others to apply. I’m just happy to be coaching football and I’m excited about this group of kids.”
Continue reading “Rialto forging through tumultuous offseason” »

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Fontana looks to keep inching up

On the surface, a 3-7 season doesn’t seem that big of a deal. And Fontana isn’t treating it as a huge thing. But as crazy as it sounds, the Steelers actually made some progress in 2009, as the three wins represents their highest total since 2003. But coach Lance Ozier isn’t satisfied.

“We improved last year, but not as much as we wanted to,” Ozier said. “It wasn’t the degree of progress we were hoping to make, but it was some progress. We just need to make more.”

The Steelers have the means to continue a slow ascent, with 13 starters – five offensive and eight defensive – returning from last year. A couple things have Ozier excited – an increase in team speed and more players coming out for the team due to making grades.
Continue reading “Fontana looks to keep inching up” »

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

CIF-SS preseason football polls

Meant to post these earlier. My apologies.

INLAND DIVISION
1. Chaparral (Southwestern)
2. Vista Murrieta (Southwestern)
3. Corona Centennial (Big VIII)
4. Chino Hills (Sierra)
5. Charter Oak (Sierra)
6. Upland (Baseline)
7. Norco (Big VIII)
8. Redlands East Valley (Citrus Belt)
9. Redlands (Citrus Belt)
10. Rancho Cucamonga (Baseline)
Others receiving votes: Roosevelt (Big VIII); Murrieta Valley (Southwestern); South Hills (Sierra); Los Osos (Baseline); A.B. Miller (Citrus Belt); Corona Santiago (Big VIII).

CENTRAL DIVISION
1. Palm Springs (Desert Valley)
2. Colton (San Andreas)
3. Rancho Verde (Inland Valley)
4. Arlington (Inland Valley)
5. Chaffey (Mt. Baldy)
6. La Quinta/La Quinta (Desert Valley)
7. Colony (Mt. Baldy)
8. Cajon (San Andreas)
9. Palm Desert (Desert Valley)
10. Moreno Valley (Inland Valley)
Others receiving votes: Valley View (Inland Valley); La Sierra (Inland Valley); Canyon Springs (Inland Valley); Arroyo Valley (San Andreas); Carter (San Andreas); Indio (Desert Valley).

EASTERN DIVISION
1. Serrano (Mojave River)
2. Summit (Sunkist)
3. Kaiser (Sunkist)
4. Silverado (Desert Sky)
5. Elsinore (Sunbelt)
6. Citrus Hill (Mountain Pass)
7. Burroughs/Ridgecrest (Desert Sky)
8. Oak Hills (Mojave River)
9. Barstow (Desert Sky)
10. Temescal Canyon (Sunbelt)
Others receiving votes: Notre Vista (Sunkist); West Valley (Mountain Pass); Apple Valley (Mojave River); Paloma Valley( Sunbelt); Beaumont (Mountain Pass); Granite Hills (Desert Sky).

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
1. St. Margaret’s (Academy)
2. Rim of the World (Mountain Valley)
3. Sierra Canyon (Alpha)
4. Paraclete (Alpha)
5. Aquinas (Ambassador)
6. Ontario Christian (Ambassador)
7. Twentynine Palms (De Anza)
8. Linfield Christian (Ambassador)
9. Notre Dame/Riverside (Mountain Valley)
10. Bishop Diego (Frontier)
Others receiving votes: Banning (Mountain Valley); Campbell Hall (Alpha); Grace Brethren (Frontier); Sage Hill (Academy): Big Bear; Rubidoux (Mountain Valley).

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email