All-star thoughts

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I covered the Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic last night, a game that didn’t go too well for the San Bernardino boys, who fell 38-7 to Riverside.

The San Bernardino team, coached by Los Osos’ Tom Martinez, didn’t have the full arsenal that Riverside had, as several highly-touted, Division I-committed players who were scheduled to play during the week dropped out. Among those were Arroyo Valley offensive lineman Michael Philipp – the No. 1 guard in the nation according to Rivals.com, Los Osos QB Richard Brehaut, Cajon CB Marlon Pollard, Upland CB Osahon Irabor and Upland CB Taj Johnson. Upland QB Josh Nunes also didn’t play, as a hand injury suffered in the Central Division title game with Rancho Cucamonga hasn’t fully healed.

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Week 10 top 10

A little late on all my blogging, so I’ll try to catch up a bit. Only real movement this week involved the Sierra League.

1. Miller (9-0)
The Rebels had a letdown against a spirited Eisenhower team and didn’t exactly win many style points in their 28-21 triumph. However, I’m not going to down a team for being a little flat after two emotional wins. Plus, the Rebels seem to realize what being No. 1 means – the best effort from every opponent.

2. Rancho Cucamonga (8-0-1)
I kept the Cougars here at two despite another impressive win. However, they have a huge showdown this week with Upland. Get a win there and Rancho might have a good case to jump Miller.

3. Hesperia (9-0)
Winning up on the mountain 41-12, which Hesperia did against Rim of the World, is pretty impressive, especially coming off the emotional win over Serrano. Only Apple Valley stands in the way of an undefeated regular season and plush playoff seed.

4. Upland (8-1)
The Highlanders had to scratch and claw to get away from a game Etiwanda team, but that doesn’t deserve any grief. However, a similar performance against Rancho Cucamonga would not be advised.

5. Redlands East Valley (8-1)
The Wildcats aren’t flashy and quite frankly, could have very easily gone down to Redlands this weekend. But REV seems to have a “refuse-to-lose” moxie to them, something that will help them immensely in the postseason.

6. Los Osos (7-2)
The Grizzlies took care of Claremont to the surprise of absolutely nobody. But their finale will be a dogfight, as they’ll be facing an Etiwanda team that could be playing for its playoff life.

7. Cajon (8-1)
The Cowboys destroyed Arroyo Valley this week, so they earn the right not to get jumped. I was tempted to put Ayala here, but I gave Cajon the benefit of the doubt, if just for this week.

8. Ayala (8-1)
The Bulldogs won “The Bone” again by beating Chino Hills. I’m not sure they recognize the trophy, but Ayala definitely recognizes a chance to be the fifth different Sierra League champion in five years.

9. Chino Hills (8-1)
Tough, tough loss for the Huskies. It will be interesting to see how Chino Hills responds and how much mental toughness they have in comparison to some CHHS teams of the recent past.

10. Kaiser (5-3-1)
Kaiser destroyed Jurupa Valley, which doesn’t really surprise anyone. You know that the Cats, who saw Jurupa kill their 31-game Sunkist win streak a year ago, had to feel good about getting revenge. A showdown with Riverside Patriot for the Sunkist League title awaits.

Just missed the cut: Chaffey (7-2), Serrano (6-3), Aquinas (8-1)

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