Fred’s thoughts: If Charter Oak were playing anyone else in the second round besides Upland and Corona Centennial, I would have picked them to win. But that’s not the case and Upland is simply too good and I love the Highlanders’ chances of winning it all. However, nothing is simple in a division as competitive as this, so don’t assume Charter Oak flies past Corona Santiago, though I’m taking the Chargers because they’re better than those outside the fishbowl realize. On paper, Santiago can compete and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if they beat the Chargers because they scored 34 points in a 56-34 loss to No. 1 Corona Centennial and blew out usually strong Norco, 49-22. And yes, Chino Hills beat Santiago, but that was a long time ago. This isn’t going to be the year Damien wins anyway, so I’m glad they got undefeated Vista Murrietta so that we can tell just how far the young Spartans have come. Let’s hope they’re competitive, and don’t count out Chino Hills so quick against Rancho Cucamonga. I don’t think they’ll win, but they have a better chance than most give them credit for.

CIF-SS Inland Division Predictions
Top Half
Redlands (4-6) at #1 Corona Centennial (9-1)
Los Osos (6-4) at Chaparral (6-4)
Chino Hills (6-4) at Rancho Cucamonga (9-1)
Norco (6-4) at #4 Redlands East Valley (10-0)
Bottom Half
Murrieta Valley (7-3) at #3 Upland (10-0)
Corona Santiago (7-3) at Charter Oak (9-1)
Yucaipa (9-1) at Riverside North (9-1)
Damien (7-3) at #2 Vista Murrieta (5-5)
First Round Winners
Corona Centennial over Redlands
Los Osos over Chaparral
Rancho Cucamonga over Chino Hills
Redlands East Valley over Norco
Upland over Murrieta Valley
Charter Oak over Corona Santiago
Riverside North over Yucaipa
Vista Murrieta over Damien
Quarterfinal Winners
Corona Centenial over Los Osos
Redlands East Valley over Rancho Cucamonga
Upland over Charter Oak
J.W. North over Vista Murrieta
Semifinal Winners
Corona Centennial over Redlands East Valley
Upland over J.W. North
Championship
Upland over Corona Centennial