Redlands East Valley earned the Smudge Pot with last season's victory over Redlands.
Photo by Lee Calkins
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Head coach: Kurt Bruich
Update: One loss is all that separated the Wildcats from perfection a season ago. Several members from that team are coming back this year to make things right. With a renewed focus, Bruich said he thinks this group is capable of accomplishing bigger and better things.
Nonleague of note: A game against Mission Viejo in late September will be a good measuring stick for the Wildcats. A loss could prove to be a costly setback.
Projection: Redlands East Valley has owned the Citrus Belt League in recent years. Things don't figure to change any time soon. Count on another title for the Wildcats.
22. Charter Oak (Covina) 2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Lou Farrar
Update: Bryce Bobo has the size and the skill set to make things difficult for opposing defensive backs. Double-covered or not, the Chargers will be creative in finding ways to get the ball to the 6-3, 175-pound senior receiver who is heading to Colorado.
Nonleague of note: Bishop Amat (La Puente) plays one of the more competitive schedules around and a mid-September showdown with Charter Oak is no exception.
Projection: If the Chargers do not find a way to win the Sierra League title, there is something wrong. Come to think of it, Bobo does not figure to let this team fail.
23. Chaminade (West Hills)2011 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Ed Croson
Update: Terrell Newby will be a jack-of-all-trades type for the Eagles this season. The 5-10, 185-pound senior running back figures to carry the ball anywhere from 20 to 25 times per game and catch 5 to 10 passes out of the backfield. He'll carry the load.
Nonleague of note: Chaminade will play host to Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.) in the second game of the season. For those of you saying: Pulaski Academy who? The Bruins figure to be a formidable opponent considering MaxPreps ranks them No. 4 in their state.
Projection: Winning the Mission League title is an attainable goal. Duplicating the feat in the CIF Southern Section Western Division playoffs could also become a reality.
24. JW North (Riverside)2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Mark Paredes
Update: When it comes to tight ends in Southern California, and the nation too,
Marcus Baugh can hold his own with the best of them. The 6-4, 225-pound senior and Ohio State commit has great hands, above-average speed and is stronger than most of his peers. The Huskies' game plan revolves around Baugh, and rightfully so, given his immense upside when he's on the field.
Nonleague of note: The Huskies have a pair of tough tests. The first is against Alemany (Mission Hills) in the second game. Two weeks later, they play Rancho Cucamonga.
Projection: Life will be difficult in the Inland Valley League. As long as the Huskies maintain focus, they'll be fine for the start of the CIF Southern Section Central Division playoffs.
25. Serra (Gardena)2011 finish: 8-3
Head coach: Scott Altenberg
Update: The Cavaliers are largely inexperienced. That, however, does not mean that underclassman players such as linebacker
Dwight Williams and defensive back
Adoree' Jackson can not get the job done this season if they are called upon to do so as juniors.
Nonleague of note: The collective mettle of this young bunch will be tested in the season opener against a veteran group from Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks).
Projection: Chaminade (West Hills) is seemingly the only team standing between the Cavaliers and a Mission League title. Provided they pass that test, the CIF Southern Section Western Division playoffs will follow and will present another challenge.
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