Predicting this year’s Inland High School League champions – San Bernardino Sun

Most Inland high school football teams begin league play this week, and there will be some exciting championship races in the coming weeks.

Here are my championship predictions for all 24 of the 11-team soccer leagues that feature at least one inland team.

Base value: It remains the most competitive league in the region from top to bottom, and Ayala joined that group this season. Rancho Cucamonga and Upland shared the title last year and will square off again, but Damien should put it all together and win the program’s first title since 2009.

Grand West-North: Centennial won two league titles in dominant fashion, outscoring its opponent by a combined score of 566-130. It will be the same this season as the Huskies cruise to another title. However, the fight for second place will be exciting.

Great West-South: Great Oak won the title last season undefeated and could be a title contender this year. However, King and Murrieta Mesa seem to have separated themselves from the group so far this season. These teams will face off on October 25, and I’m picking King to win a close match on Senior Night.

Citrus Bar: Citrus Valley won its first CBL title last season, but it appears the program is in a rebuilding phase. This year’s race should come down to Cajon and Beaumont, and they will meet in their first league game on Friday. Cajon won last year’s game 34-30 and will face another close victory this week.

Poplar: Maranatha won the title last season but currently competes in the Mesquite League. This year’s championship will likely come down to a clash between Santa Rosa Academy and Trinity Classical Academy on October 11. I’ll take Santa Rosa Academy.

Gano: It’s a new league named after the late coaching legend Greg Gano. Don Lugo wins the inaugural league championship, which would be a fitting result considering Gano last coached with the Conquistadores.

Hacienda: Diamond Bar won the title last season, but the Brahmas enter this season with an 0-5 record. Covina will hold off challenges from Los Altos and South Hills to win this year’s championship.

Inland Valley: There’s a three-horse race between Canyon Springs, Moreno Valley and Perris. Moreno Valley played the toughest schedule of these teams, which will help the Vikings win the title with a photo finish.

Ironwood: Aquinas has won 32 league games in a row, the last 10 of which have been in the Ironwood League. The Falcons are a third-peat in this division, overcoming challenges from Ontario Christian and Cerritos Valley Christian.

Ivy: Orange Vista has won consecutive league titles, and the Coyotes remain the favorites despite their 1-4 record. Rancho Verde has been a tough competitor over the past two seasons, but Vista del Lago is looking to make some noise in its first season in the league.

Manzanita: It is a league of eight teams, and each school has already played at least two league matches. Desert Christian Academy, Hamilton and Vasquez start league play with a 2-0 record. Desert Christian finishes on top.

Mesquite: Linfield Christian has been runner-up in this league for the past two seasons. The Lions rose to the top of the rankings this season, overcoming challenges from newcomers Maranatha and Big Bear.

Miramonte: Garey is the defending champion, but will have a difficult time repeating the season as several new schools join the league. La Puente defeats Duarte in the regular season finale to win the title.

Montview: Hacienda Heights Wilson defeats Nogales to win the championship.

Mountain pass: Liberty won the title last season, but now competes in the Ivy League. San Jacinto is the clear favorite to regain the title.

Glen: Miller struck the first blow last week, beating San Bernardino 31-28 in their first league game. These teams will meet again on October 18 and I will pick the Rebels to win and take the title.

River Valley: Defending champions Norte Vista and Ramona are off to 5-0 starts as these teams head to the championship showdown on October 11. Norte Vista wins by close and retains the title.

San Andreas: San Gorgonio won the Skyline League title last season, but the Spartans advanced to the second tier of the Arrowhead Conference. San G stops the Outlands to win the championship.

Sierra: Five of the teams have wins, while the sixth, Colony, played a difficult non-league game. Charter Oak and Bonita seem to be a step ahead of the rest of the pack. Charter Oak defeats the Bearcats on October 25 to win the title.

Skyline: On Friday evening, Fontana will host Colton, and the winner of this match can win the league championship. Carter will also be a player in the race. I choose Fontana to win.

Valley of the Sun: Banning is off to its best start in over a decade and the Broncos are seeking the program’s first league title since 2012. Banning ends the drought and wins the league’s inaugural championship, defeating Desert Hot Springs.

Sunbelt: The mid-tier Raincross Conference could be the most exciting race from start to finish, with all six teams able to win on the night. I’m taking newcomer Hillcrest to win the title, but keep an eye on Hemet and Valley View.

Sunkist: The matchup between Summit and Jurupa Hills on October 25 should determine this year’s champion. Summit wins and takes the title.

Vista Valley: Last season, Diamond Ranch, Northview and San Dimas shared the championship titles. The latter two are the clear favorites this season. Northview wins the game at Covina District Field on October 11 and wins the championship.