Miquan Johnson and Centennial will need to punch back against Vista Murrieta, the division favorite, this season.
Photo by John Downey
12-2
Head coach: Matt Logan
Update: The Huskies have been considered the cream of the crop from the CIF Southern Section Inland Division in years past. This season, there are some questions about whether the program is on the verge of taking a step back. The smart money is on Centennial proving the naysayers wrong. Seemingly backed into a corner, this team figures to come out fighting for its life.
Nonleague of note: The Broncos will travel to St. Bonaventure (Ventura) in late August and will have revenge on their minds after losing to the Seraphs around this time a year ago. The only thing that will erase the memory of a disappointing loss is an impressive victory.
Projection: The goal for the Broncos is simple, it's the same every season in fact: Win the Big VIII championship and then turn their attention toward the playoffs. Now let's see how they respond to potentially not being the prohibitive favorite on weekly basis.
12. Mater Dei (Santa Ana)2011 finish: 4-6
Head coach: Bruce Rollinson
Update: There was a time not too long ago that the Monarchs were annually thought of as one of Southern California's premier programs. They were also considered one of the best teams on the West Coast, and the country, for that matter. This may be the year the tradition is restored.
Nonleague of note: Never one to back down from an opponent, Mater Dei has a pair of difficult showdowns against CIF Los Angeles City Section teams. First up is Carson in early September followed by a matchup against Narbonne (Harbor City) to close out the month.
Projection: The Trinity is arguably the nation's toughest league with Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita), Servite (Anaheim) and St. John Bosco (Bellflower) jockeying for position. The Monarchs will have to be at their best if they hope to contend for a title.
13. Lompoc2011 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Andrew Jones
Update: The Braves faced the unenviable situation of finishing with an unblemished record and winning the CIF Southern Section Northwest Division championship, only to not be invited to a CIF Bowl game. Based on those well-known facts, it's safe to say that Lompoc will be looking to win impressively this season with the hopes that its efforts will be rewarded and not neglected again.
Nonleague of note: We won't have to wait long to find out whether or not the Braves are for real. They start off the season with a home game against Arroyo Grande, one of the better teams from out in the that neck of the woods. Lompoc will have its hands full, no doubt about it.
Projection: The Los Padres League title is a virtual lock. But the Braves had better not make the mistake of looking too far ahead. If they fall into that trap, an early exit in the CIF Southern Section Western Division playoffs could prove to be their ultimate fate.
14. Alemany (Mission Hills)2011 finish: 8-3
Head coach: Dean Harrington
Update: The Warriors possess one of the nation's best players in
Steven Mitchell, who opened the eyes of opposing coaches and college scouts alike last season as a junior. The 5-10, 175-pound receiver and USC commit will be the go-to guy on offense this time around.
Nonleague of note: A date with Centennial (Corona) on the road in mid-September has been marked on the calendar for quite some time now. A victory would be the type of statement-maker the Warriors have been looking for. Signature wins have been few and far between.
Projection: There's no reason to believe that Alemany won't be in position for a Serra League title by season's end. Playing in the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs thereafter, however, does not bode well. The field will be loaded with high-profile programs.
15. Servite (Anaheim) 2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Troy Thomas
Update: Prep football fans, whether they be avid Southern California supporters or recreational types, might find it difficult to believe the Friars are ranked this low. There is a reason for their spot in the poll, however. The Friars lost a number of starters from a season ago. Rest assured, Thomas will find a way to rally the troops and have Servite playing well, sooner rather than later.
Nonleague of note: There will be no rest for the weary this season as the Friars travel to Rancho Cucamonga in the second game of the season. The Cougars would like nothing more than to kick Servite when it's down. Whether that happens, or not, remains to be seen.
Projection: When it comes to their overall record, the Friars figure to have some bumps and bruises along the way this season. If, however, they peak at the right time, a spirited run toward a CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division championship could materialize.
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