Upland and star player Joe Mathis will look to make a deep playoff run in 2012.
Photo by John Downey
12-1
Head coach: Tim Salter
Update: The marquee attraction is
Joe Mathis and Upland fans figure to flock to games in an effort to catch a glimpse of the 6-4, 250-pound senior defensive lineman. He has scholarship offers on the table from many of the nation's powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and USC. Given that fact, Mathis will draw similar attention from his opponents across the line of scrimmage. He'll face double-teams early and often this year.
Nonleague of note: Typically, starting the season against Muir (Pasadena) would not be the ideal way to kick things off. The Mustangs, however, have fallen on hard times. Nevertheless, Upland can not afford to overlook its traditionally competitive counterpart.
Projection: An undefeated run through Baseline League play should be relatively easy. Beyond that, Vista Murrieta and Rancho Cucamonga, perhaps both programs, could provide the ultimate measuring stick in the CIF Southern Section Inland Valley Division playoffs.
7. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks)2011 finish: 6-4
Head coach: Kevin Rooney
Update: On the offensive side of the ball, all signs point to
Khalfani Muhammad getting plenty of touches. Whether it's taking handoffs, or snaring swing passes, more often than not the ball will be in the hands of the 5-8, 174-pound senior running back. The only question is: Will the slightly undersized Muhammad end up wearing down by season‘s end?
Nonleague of note: A road trip to Dublin, Ireland, to face Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) at the end of this month figures to be quite the experience for everyone involved. Travel aside, things don't figure to get any easier for Notre Dame upon arrival overseas. The Huskies figure to be hungry. MaxPreps ranks them No. 3 in Arizona and they will be out to prove they belong.
Projection: There will be no easy games in the Serra League this season. That said, Notre Dame must play well early and maintain momentum thereafter. The pieces of the puzzle seem to be in place. It's all about execution from here on out.
8. San Clemente2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Jamie Ortiz
Update: Replacing the void left behind by offensive lineman Kyle Murphy and quarterback Travis Wilson will be difficult. The senior tandem graduated and moved onto the next level with Murphy at Stanford and Wilson at Utah. Good thing is: The Tritons do a good job of grooming their lower-level players to step into larger roles with the big boys on the varsity team.
Nonleague of note: The final primer before the South Coast League schedule starts is against Edison (Huntington Beach) in late September. Following that game, we should have a better understanding about the direction of the program without Murphy and Wilson.
Projection: While no one associated with program will readily admit to as much, you get the sense that expectations are tempered this season at San Clemente. That's not to say making a prolonged postseason run is entirely out of the question for the Tritons.
9. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village)2011 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Jeff Woodruff
Update: Venerable head honcho Bill Redell retired at the end of last season after a rather remarkable 12-year run with the Lions. The vacated job was one of the state's most desirable gigs around until Woodruff was hired. He comes with experience too, having been the head coach at Eastern Michigan and an assistant at UTEP. There is no possible way Woodruff can be expected to make people forget about Redell. The goal appears for him to carve out his own niche.
Nonleague of note: One of the more highly anticipated matchups this season figures to be against fellow private school Chaminade (West Hills) in mid-September. The winner, of course, will stake claim to bragging rights in what could develop into a budding rivalry.
Projection: Don't be the least bit surprised to see the Lions face St. Bonaventure (Ventura) for the Marmonte League championship. The winner will have no time to celebrate, however, not with the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs on the horizon.
10. Tustin2011 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Myron Miller
Update: Some might consider this ranking to be a bit high. The Tillers, on the other hand, think differently. The roster is loaded with experienced individuals and the perceived lack of respect will certainly be a driving force of motivation from start to finish this season.
Nonleague of note: Roosevelt (Eastvale) does not pose as much of a threat in the season opener at home. Nevertheless, Tustin will be looking to make a statement and it's reasonable to expect that a lopsided result will point this determined bunch in the right direction.
Projection: The Tillers are the frontrunners to win the Empire League title and figure to be one of the top seeds in the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division playoffs. That is, if things go according to plan. A taskmaster, Miller will not let distractions be a factor.
Watch more videos of Oaks Christian football
