Section Sports - ANALYSIS: Inland Empire mid-season review

October 21, 2009

Dylan Boggs
Section Sports Staff Writer

With the playoffs only a month away, SectionSports.com takes a view at what has happened so far in the 2009 season, and what to watch for in the stretch run.

Inland Division

Many of the division's top teams faltered in high-profile matchups with out-of-area opponents. Norco fell to LA City Section power Crenshaw in Week 1 and defending champion Centennial dropped to Mater Dei a week later. 2008 finalist Chaparral lost a classic game to Servite in Week 4.
There aren't many programs that consider a third-place finish in league and berth in the division semifinals a down season, but Norco is one of them. The Cougars have set their sights higher in 2009, and have won five in a row since the Crenshaw setback. Arizona State commit Deantre Lewis has compiled nearly 1,200 yards rushing, as the Cougars continue to pound the ball unlike any other program.
Centennial's 31-13 loss to Mater Dei is put in perspective by their dominant wins in the four weeks that have passed since then. Working with two quarterbacks and a platoon of running backs, the Huskies have offset the loss of last year's offensive stars, and emerging linebacker prospects Ryan Jack has the defense in good shape.
Redlands East Valley and Rancho Verde are undefeated, but one must wonder how prepared they'll be for the playoffs after rolling through the weaker Citrus Belt and Inland Valley Leagues.

Surprise Team:

Great Oak. The Wolfpack are 5-1, and while they probably aren't a real threat to Chaparral or Vista Murrieta, they beat Redlands and hung tough against Citrus Hill. If dual-threat quarterback Bubba Luna can lead them to a win over Temescal Canyon this week, they'll be in position to earn the school's first-ever playoff berth.

Disappointment:

J.W. North. The whole reason the Big VIII was created was so that the Huskies could go head-to-head with Centennial and Norco for the league title. Instead, they're 0-3 in league play after losses to King and Corona, despite the contributions of talented running back E.J. Schexnayder.

Impact Player:

Tyler Shreve, Redlands East Valley. Shreve is the closest thing the Inland Division has to Taylor Martinez this season, possessing the ability to break off a big running play or stay in the pocket and pass with precision.

Central Division

While the Inland Division has a bunch of teams with potential to unseat Centennial, the Central Division looks to be a repeat of 2008. Defending champions Rancho Cucamonga and 2008 finalist Upland have been the division's strongest teams by far and could be headed for a title game rematch.
Quarterback Greg Watson has thrown for nearly 200 yards per game this season, as the Cougars' winning streak has reached 16 games. Colton, with their unique rushing attack, may be the team with the best chance to crash the Baseline League's party in the postseason.

Surprise Team:

Upland. Some drop off had to be expected after losing Josh Nunes and Davion Fleming, but the Highlanders haven't shown it.

Disappointment:

Paloma Valley. They returned most of their starters after a strong finish to 2008, but have stumbled to a 2-4 record.

Impact Player:

Tim Helton, Upland. The linebacker is the leader of Upland's defense, which is allowing just 5.8 points per game and has shut out two of their last three opponents.

Eastern Division

Citrus Hill has continued to dominate their opponents, with Deontae Cooper rushing for almost 1,500 yards through six games behind a strong offensive line. There is a long list of teams waiting to challenge the Hawks in an improved division; Serrano may be the best of the group. The 5-2 Diamondbacks have shut out two of their last three opponents and dominated previously-unbeaten Rim of the World in their Mojave River league opener.

Surprise Team:

San Jacinto. The Tigers have played brilliantly en route to a 6-0 start. Quarterback Nigel Barksdale has passed for over 1,100 yards and has established San Jacinto as the toughest test Citrus Hill will face in the Mountain Pass League.

Disappointment:

Summit. With 17 returning starters from a team that started 6-0 last year, things were looking up for the SkyHawks before a tougher non-league schedule took its toll and left them 3-3.

Impact Player:

Deontae Cooper, Citrus Hill. Unquestionably the division's top player.
Send feedback, recruiting updates and story suggestions to dylan@sectionsports.info.