Here is a look at the top games involving Inland high school football teams on Friday, Aug. 22.
Sites and times of games are subject to change. Records are from the 2024 season.
FRIDAY’S TOP GAMES
Rancho Cucamonga (6-5) at Murrieta Valley (11-3), 7 p.m.
IE Varsity info: These programs squared off a total of four times the past two years. Murrieta Valley won the last three meetings, including a pair of thrilling playoff victories (53-52 in double overtime in 2023; and 49-42 in 2024). Rancho Cucamonga will begin its newest chapter under coach Alex Pierce. The offense is led by senior Jacob Chambers, the Fresno State-bound quarterback who passed for 1,677 yards and 18 touchdowns last season while adding 421 yards and six scores on the ground. Senior safety Darion Fluker intercepted five passes last season. Murrieta Valley coach George Wilson indicated sophomore Ty Isaia and junior Daniel Mielke II could share time under center this year, but Mielke’s transfer is listed as processing in the CIF Southern Section database. Mielke, who previous played at Bonita and Ontario Christian, has 42 career touchdown passes. Isaia filled in last year with Bear Bachmeier sidelined and threw 11 touchdowns and just one interception. The secondary is a strength with the brothers Johnson (senior Derrick II and junior Darius) as cornerbacks and senior Gabriel Lomeli at safety.
Prediction: Murrieta Valley
Servite (6-5) at Centennial (9-3), 7 p.m.
IE Varsity info: Matt Logan enters his 29th season at Centennial with 295 career victories. The Huskies are quite familiar with the Trinity League, having played 36 games (20-16 record) against those schools over the previous 18 seasons. However, this marks the first time Centennial takes on Servite. Senior quarterback Dominick Catalano will lead the offense, and junior running back Braylin Drake (852 yards and 11 TDs in six games) is back for the Huskies. The defense features several returning starters, including Cal-bound linebacker Jonathan “JD” McKinley II (10 1/2 sacks) and Sacramento State-bound corner Therman “Boogie” Williams (10 pass breakups). Servite has a stout offensive line (averaging 6-foot-4 and 287 pounds), and senior tight end Luke Sorenson is committed to Nebraska. Sophomore quarterback Kade Murphy, a sophomore transfer from Mission Viejo, could get first crack at running the offense. The defense is led by middle backers Brando MosQueda (junior) and Isaiah Leilua (sophomore).
Prediction: Centennial
Cajon (9-3) at Norco (3-7), 7 p.m.
IE Varsity info: Cajon graduated plenty of firepower on the offense side of the ball, but there is an abundance of excitement and hype surrounding Marcus Washington, who is slated to be the first freshman quarterback to start for Cajon since Jayden Daniels did so in 2015. The defense should remain a strength for the Cowboys, with USC-bound linebacker Taylor Johnson (174 tackles) and senior safety Cole Imbriani (74 tackles) leading the way. With a daunting league schedule looming, Norco will need as many nonleague wins to secure a .500 record and try to end the program’s two-year playoff drought. Blake Wong is a highly-rated receiver in the 2027 recruiting class, and sophomore running back Lee White, a transfer from Norte Vista, could take charge in the backfield. Joshua Cobian shined during his freshman season with 10 pass breakups.
Prediction: Cajon
Damien (8-3) at Aquinas (8-3), 7 p.m.
IE Varsity info: These Catholic school powerhouses have faced off only twice in the past two decades, with Damien coming away with the victory each time (37-27 in spring 2021 season; 27-24 in fall 2021 season). Damien’s offense features one of the area’s top pass-catch combos with senior quarterback Isaiah Arriaza (2,892 yards, 28 TDs) and junior wide receiver Travon Garrison (978 yards, 13 TDs). The defense is led by senior end Dylan Becher and highly-touted junior safety Gavin Williams (four INTs). Aquinas returns running back Champ Brown, who ran for 1,212 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore. UC Davis commit Marcus McGeilberry is a two-way standout at receiver and cornerback.
Prediction: Damien
Colony (0-10) at Ontario Christian (6-5)
IE Varsity info: Colony’s 2024 campaign ended roughly, with the program forfeiting four victories because of an ineligible player. The Titans look to start fresh this year, and senior quarterback Jordan Juarez has been tabbed to guide the offense. The defense features Rahmeer Henderson, a San Diego State commit who is listed as a safety but will line up at different position this season. Senior Daylan Sumner returns and will be a factor as a wide receiver and safety. Ontario Christian had a wild offseason, including a pair of coaching changes. Lonyae Miller, who was a standout running back at Rialto and Kaiser in the mid-2000s, is at the helm. The program suffered heavy losses because of transfers, but 6-foot-6 junior Cade DeGroot returns to lead the lines.
Prediction: Colony
Roosevelt (2-8) at King (8-4)
IE Varsity info: Roosevelt will look to junior quarterback Blake Nadler to lead the offense. Nadler started 11 games in two seasons with Rancho Christian. Sophomore receiver and kick returner Nate Ramirez should make a bigger impact this year. Senior linebacker Noah Montes is a veteran on defense, and senior Tray Flournoy returns to lead the secondary. King will hand the reins of its offense to senior Colton Zeen, who previously played at Norco. The defense is led by two returning linebackers, senior Logan George (77 tackles, nine sacks) and junior Justin Coute (54 tackles).
Prediction: King
Chaparral (7-4) at San Juan Hills (10-2), 7 p.m.
IE Varsity info: Chaparral has a chance to be among the top teams in the Southern Section this season. Dane Weber is one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 recruiting class. He passed for 2,660 yards and 27 touchdowns last year and added 834 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Junior running back Trevor Schneider gives the Pumas another offensive weapon. He ran for 2,307 yards and 21 touchdowns in two seasons at Norco. The offensive line will be strong with Rancho Christian transfers Calvin Moala and Caeden Weaver on the roster. The defense is led by junior end Kameron Payne (5 1/2 sacks last season). San Juan Hills reached the CIF Southern Section Division 2 quarterfinals last year. The offense is led by senior quarterback Timmy Herr, who passed for 2,230 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. The lines will be led by UCLA commit Cooper Javorsky.
Prediction: Chaparral
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