By Ronnie Flores, Senior Editor

Note: This team covers such a wide area of Southern California and has seen such a population explosion in recent years that there is enough talent to create two honor squads. The Inland Empire region includes schools from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties plus the schools in the Mojave Desert region. We still have two more preseason all-star squads from the CIFSS to release: The Ventura-Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo team plus the San Gabriel Valley region. Make sure you follow us at twitter.com/calhisports as we'll do our best to give you live updates from the big games we attend all season long. You can also follow us on Facebook. Please join our Facebook group by CLICKING HERE

Offense

WR -- Antoine Arnold (Chaparral, Temecula) 6-3, 175 Jr.
Had a breakout sophomore season for the Pumas, earning sophomore all-state honors after catching 40 passes for 621 yards with nine of them going for six points. Arnold can also run the ball and pass it, too. Chap fans are hoping he has a big game this week against defending state team of the year Centennial, but we're sure he be getting a lot of attention from the Huskies' defense so it might be a lesser-known player that steps up and makes the difference.  

WR -- Austin Hill (Roosevelt, Corona) 6-3, 188 Sr.
Although Roosevelt might have trouble crackling the upper echelon of the rugged Big VIII League, it won't be because of Hill. As a junior, he hauled 34 passes for 625 yards and scored seven touchdowns. At the Long beach Nike Combine, he showed he has the size, strength and speed to be a big-time college player. He clocked a 4.69 40, a 4.66 20-yard shuttle, a 35.6 inch vertical jump and threw the Power Ball 40 feet, good for an overall SPARQ Rating of 95.22*.   

TE -- Randall Telfer (Rancho Cucamonga) 6-4, 215 Sr.
This physical specimen has been offered by six Pac-10 schools plus Vanderbilt and Tennessee for good reason. The all-CIFSS Central Division choice caught 42 passes for 677 yards and five touchdowns, including a six-pointer in the Central Division title game to help his team finish 13-0-1. Telfer is a late-bloomer, but after playing the game for only a short period of time, the returning second team all-state underclass choice is headed to USC.     

OT -- Aaron Jeglin (San Jacinto) 6-4, 280 Sr.
This returning second team all-state underclass pick is one of the best overall players in the Mountain Pass League. Not only is he dominant as a run and pass blocker against his competition, he also makes an impact on the defensive side of the ball.    

OG -- David Peterson (Redlands East Valley) 6-4, 255 Sr.
Peterson will play a key role in keeping REV quarterback Tyler Shreve healthy this season after he battled nagging injuries in 2008. A three-year starter, Peterson was one of the most athletic lineman to compete at the L.A. Nike Combine.   

C -- Gary Berwick (Rancho Cucamonga) 6-1, 225 Sr.
This three-year starter was an all-CIFSS Central Division choice as a junior. There is plenty of talent around him but Berwick's contributions will be key if the Cougars to to repeat as CIFSS Central Division champions.                                       

OG -- Justin Corrales (Redlands) 6-3, 265 Sr.
An all-county selection last year as a junior, Corrales has worked hard to improve his overall athleticism and skill level. In a year's time, he improved his SPARQ Rating nearly 20 points, with nearly two-tenths of a second cut on his 40 time (5.33) and a six-foot increase in his Power Ball throw (37 feet).                   

OT -- B.J. Sonboli (Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga) 6-3, 285 Sr.
Didn't receive a lot of fanfare as a junior, but Sonboli had a standout spring and summer. He did particularly well at the L.A. Nike Camp, coming alive in the one-one-ones and winning many individual battles. He even looked good in a rep going against potential all-american Ronald Powell of Rancho Verde.      

RB -- Deontae Cooper (Citrus Hill, Perris) 6-0, 185 Sr.
Similar to Austin Hill, Cooper moves up from the all-IE second team last year after a spectacular junior season in which he led Citrus Hill to a 14-0 record and a CIFSS Eastern Division title. Cooper rushed for a state-leading 2,902 yards and 48 total touchdowns. Cooper was honored as an overall second team all-state choice for his efforts. He gets knocked somewhat for the lack of competition on Citrus Hill's schedule, but Cooper put those thoughts to rest at the L.A. Nike Camp. During drills, he made defenders miss in open space and also did a fine job in pass protection.    

RB -- Jordan James (Corona) 5-10, 190 Sr.
A repeat selection, James was headed for an all-state season before he was injured for the season in the after 17 carries in the fifth game of the season against Norco. Prior to his unfortunate injury, James was leading the state in rushing with 1,015 yards and nine touchdowns through four games. At the L.A. Nike Camp, he showed he's fully recovered at has what it takes to be an elite college back with a solid work ethic, good technique and top-level speed. Check out these testing numbers: 4.40 40, 37-foot Power Ball Toss, 38.9 inch vertical jump and a 4.42 20-yard shuttle good for a 133.22 SPARQ Rating.

QB -- Tyler Shreve (Redlands East Valley) 6-4, 203 Sr.
After a sophomore season in which he played in front of all-state RB Chris Polk and threw for 1,299 yards and 20 TDs against only six interceptions, big numbers were expected of Shreve when he became the focal point of the offense as a junior. Because of nagging ankle and shoulder injuries, that didn't happen but Shreve was still able to pass for 1,502 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's already been offered by Colorado State, but probably will also have some baseball options next spring as well. He can throw in the low 90s and participated at last summer's prestigious Area Code Games for the Milwaukee Brewers Gray team.                

K -- Trevor Romaine (Centennial, Corona) 5-11, 175 Sr.
Yet another repeat selection, Romaine is already on the all-time state list for career kicking points with 194 in 30 games. As a junior he accounted for 89 points, which included five field goals after accounting for a 105 points and nailing nine field goals as a junior. With 152 career conversions to his credit, Romaine has a chance to break the reported state record of 206 set by Modesto Central Catholic's Gio Podesto between 2002-04.     

Defense

DL -- Ronald Powell (Rancho Verde, Moreno Valley) 6-4, 230 Sr.
This past spring's L.A. Nike Camp was one of the most talent-laden events ESPN RISE has ever produced on the West Coast. The NFTC staff spoke highly of his combination of size, speed and overall talent. He was named the defensive line MVP and lived up to the hype that surrounded him coming in. The local schools would love to have him but the SEC schools are also after him because he has relatives that live in Alabama and Georgia. This first team all-state underclass pick reportedly lists USC and Florida as his favorites.   
 
DL -- Uche Amajoyi (Aquinas, San Bernardino) 6-1, 235 Sr.
Small schools terror let up opposing offenses to the tune of 56 solos, 37 assists and 9.5 sacks for the Falcons as a junior. At the Stanford Nike Camp, he proved he can play with anyone. He's displayed a great motor and lit up the one-on-one session.  

DL -- Andrew Hudson (Redlands East Valley) 6-3, 214 Sr.
Hudson attended the L.A. Nike Combine at L.A. Southwest College and did not test off the charts by any means. At the L.A. Nike camp, however, it was clearly evident he plays better than he tests. Already holding offers from three Pac-10 schools, Fresno State and San Diego State after a 60-tackle, six-sack junior campaign.

DL -- Josh Shirley (Kaiser, Fontana) 6-3, 210 Sr.
There might not be a better player in the I.E., or perhaps the entire Southern Section, coming off the edge than this vertitale talent. As a junior, he earned all-CIFSS Eastern Division honors after collecting 88 tackles, 17 sacks and three forced fumbles. At the L.A. Nike Camp, he was slated to work out with the linebackers but he turned out to be one of the, if not the best pass rusher in attendance. Where he'll play in college likely depends on how much weight he can add without losing that explosiveness off the snap.

LB -- Brandon Brown (Centennial, Corona) 6-2, 245 Sr.
Brown, who played his sophomore season at rival Norco, is expected to replace state defensive player of the year Vontaze Burfict as the Huskies No. 1 defensive stopper at linebacker. Brown was in on 45 tackles as a junior before missing the tail end of the season, including the Div. I state bowl game, with injury. While producing the same impact on a game Burfict did will be nearly impossible, Brown's presence and senior leadership will be quite important in the season opener against state-ranked Chaparral since the Huskies will be without RB Denzel Hawkins.      

LB -- Carl Bradford (Norco) 6-0, 225 Sr.
At the L.A. Nike combine, Bradford was ready to compete as most Norco players are and came away with a 94.17 SPARQ Rating that included a 39-foot Power Ball toss and and a 35.4 inch vertical jump. He could improve his top-end speed, but at the L.A. Nike Camp he displayed his explosiveness and ability to close in on the ball. He's an Arizona State commit.

LB -- Ofa Fifita (Arroyo Valley, San Bernardino) 5-11, 200 Sr.
Despite playing in only 10 games, Fifita was able to rack up 76 solo tackles, 61 assists, meaning he was in on almost 14 stops per game. He also recorded five sacks, caused three fumbles and recovered two others. With that kind of production, it's easy to see why he's already been offered by UNLV and Washington.  

DB -- Demetrius Wright (Corona) 6-1, 190 Sr.
I.E. players have a lot of pride and love to compete to show their region of football is as good as anyin the state. Wright is another classic example, as his 99.15 SPARQ Rating includes a 4,49 40, 4.55 20-yard shuttle, a 36-foot Power Ball toss and a 36.5 inch vertical jump. At his size, his coverage skills are top-notch and he's also a physical player. In fact, the coaches at the L.A. Nike Camp voted his the best college prospect in attendance. At the prep level, he can play backer, safety, corner, or wideout, but his future is definitely in the defensive backfield.    

DB -- Joseph Smith (Norco) 5-10, 185 Sr.
At the Long Beach Nike Combine, Smith blew away the field with a 115.59 SPARQ Rating. He was digitally timed at 4.51 in the 40, ran a quick 4.25 20-yard shuttle, tossed the Power Ball 40 feet, and had a 36.3 inch vertical jump. On the field of play, Smith had 40 tackles, a sack, and three interceptions for a team that is returning the majority of its standouts.    

DB -- Anthony Brown (Santiago, Corona) 6-3, 180 Sr.
Another I.E. player, same story. Brown recorded a 95.31 SPARQ Rating at the Long Beach Nike Combine with a 4.76 40, a 4.25 20-yard shuttle, a 38-foot Power Ball toss and a 33.0 inch vertical jump. Last season for the Sharks, Brown contributed 27 tackles, 21 assists, two sacks and an interception and it's evident he has the ability to play linebacker or safety at the next level.      

DB -- Derrick Malone (Colton) 6-2, 185 Sr.
As a junior, Malone was credited with 41 tackles, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions in the defensive secondary. On offense, he carried the ball 136 times for 1,063 yards and 11 touchdowns and is the Yellowjackets' best two-way threat since Allen Bradford in 2005. He already holds offers from Washington, Arizona State and Nebraska and at the L.A Nike Camp displayed the athleticism necessary to excel at safety on the next level.

P -- Alejandro Maldonado (Colton) 5-11, 185 Sr.
A cinch pick after being named all-CIFSS Central Division and first team all-state underclass for the Yellowjackets. He finished his junior season with 10 field goals, 32 extra-points and 36 touchbacks on 53 kickoffs. He also averaged 39.2 yards per punt on 23 punts with 13 of those landing inside the 20-yard line.  

Multi-Purpose

QB/RB -- Jemeryn Jenkins (Silverado, Victor Valley) 6-1, 190 Sr.
A true two-way threat, Jenkins accounted for 3,725 yards as a junior and earned second team all-state underclass honors. Under center, he completed 166 of 323 passes for 2,366 yards with 17 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He was just or even more effective when he took off and ran, as Jenkins gained 1,259 yards on 174 carries and scored 20 touchdowns. In Silverado's season-opener, Jenkins was only able to complete 4 of 12 passes for 46 yards and lead his team into Gardena Serra territory once. Coach Carl Posey acknowledged Serra was the better team, but hoped for a better all-around effort from his club.     

KR/RB/DB -- Jose Cortez (Mammoth, Mammoth Lakes) 5-8, 165 Sr.
We cheated a little here and decided to add Cortez to this team even though Mammoth is technically not in the I.E. Cortez deserves mention because it was learned earlier this month that Mammoth will not be fielding a varsity team this season. The 2008 season was the last for longtime coach Tom Gault, and it's unfortunate for the five seniors, including Cortez, that were ready to go and looking forward to the 2009 campaign. No word if Cortez or any other senior is going to attempt to play at another school, which might be difficult considering the location of their homes. All Cortez did last year was earn all-CIFSS Northeast Division honors after returning seven kickoff returns for scores. It's been blasted on various media outlets that this is a national record, but that information is INCORRECT. The reported state record, and we're figuring it would be the national record as well, is eight in one season by Joe Dickson of Sylmar in 2003. Coach London Woodfin told Cal-Hi Sports, "I got the highlight tape tape, too, that I made so I know it's legit."     

DB/RB -- Anthony Brown (Kaiser, Fontana) 5-10, 175 Sr.
No, it's not a double-post, there are actually two standouts with the same name in the I.E. this year, one in Riverside County and the other in San Bernardino County. As a junior, Brown racked up 49 tackles and five interceptions, but just might be an even better running back prospect. He actually was able to attend both the L.A. and Stanford Nike Camps. After a solid showing in SoCal, he stole in the show up north, displaying quick feet and an elite ability to change direction. He's headed to USC.    

DB/QB/RB/K -- Derron Smith (Banning) 5-11, 175 Sr.
This dual-threat can get the job done in a variety of ways, but defensive back is where he earned all-CIFSS Eastern Division honors after racking up 50 solos, 37 assists, three interceptions and two caused fumbles. On offense, Smith added 1,214 yards passing and 1,094 yards rushing while accounting for 17 touchdowns. Smith can also punt and kickoff and handle kick return duties as well. No wonder programs such as Nebraska have already offered.     

QB/RB -- Greg Watson (Rancho Cucamonga) 6-0, 185 Sr.
Watson had one of the most remarkable seasons of any player in the state last year for a couple of reasons. First off, two fellow Baseline League quarterbacks earned Pac-10 scholarships, but it was Watson that led his team to the league and division title by accounting for 3,365 yards and 29 touchdowns running and passing. He earned second team overall all-state honors and was named the player of the year by the Inland Dailey Bulletin. Second, Watson accomplished all of this while he a 15-year old junior.  

RB/DB/P -- Jonathan Diaz (Chaparral, Temecula) 5-8, 170 Sr.
He's one of the best all-around players in the region and starting tomorrow, Diaz is on a mission to lead the Pumas to a victory over Centennial and win the coveted CIFSS Inland Division title. As a junior, Diaz was one of the division's best players as he churned for 2,084 rushing yards on 300 caries and scored 32 rushing touchdowns.  He added a receiving touchdown and 18 tackles and a pick on defense. He can also contribute on special teams, as he averaged over 30 yards per punt and pinned eight inside the 20-yard line.  

All-CIFSS Inland Empire Second Team

In researching this team, there were so many talented players from this vast region, who just missed making the first team at their respective positions, we had enough legitimate standouts to create a second team. This not only points to the population explosion of the region, but the balance of talent being spread out to many newer schools that were not strong in football or did not even exist ten years ago.

Offense
WR -- Tyler Slavin (Roosevelt, Corona) 6-1, 191 Sr.
WR -- Jim Jones (Aquinas, San Bernardino) 6-0, 175, Sr.
OL -- Avery Poates (Rancho Verde, Moreno Valley) 6-4, 310 Sr.
OL -- Zack Dilley (Paloma Valley, Menifee) 6-5, 285 Sr.
OL -- Matt Fetzer (Linfield Christian, Temecula) 6-6, 250 Sr.
OL -- Corin Brooks (Arlington, Riverside) 6-4, 280 Sr.
OL -- John O' Brien (Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma) 6-8, 310 Sr.
RB -- Emery Schexnayder (J.W. North, Riverside) 6-0, 205 Sr.
RB -- Todd Handley (ML King, Riverside) 5-8, 160 Jr.
RB -- Deantre Lewis (Norco) 5-10, 185 Sr.
QB -- Brandon Connette (Santiago, Corona) 6-2, 290 Sr.

Defense
DL -- Jordan Thomas (Redlands) 6-1, 225 Sr.
DL --  Sione Kauvaka (Rancho Cucamonga) 6-0, 245 Sr.
DL -- William Harris (Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga) 6-3, 245 Sr.
LB -- Donnell Welch (Palm Desert) 6-2, 195 Sr.
LB -- Lou Mele (Patriot, Riverside) 5-11, 210 Sr.
LB -- William Smith (Notre Dame, Riverside) 6-2, 190 Sr.
DB -- Max Ofoma (Roosevelt, Corona) 5-10, 170, Sr.
DB -- Cedric Smith (Centennial, Corona) 5-9, 150 Sr.
DB -- Ryan Henderson (Rancho Verde, Moreno Valley) 5-10, 170 Jr.
DB -- Curtis Webb (Barstow) 5-10, 165 Sr.
DB -- Femi Odaibo (Beaumont) 6-0, 170 Sr.

Multi-Purpose
QB/RB -- Juan Flores (A.B. Miller, Fontana) 6-0, 170 Sr.
RB/LB -- David Tavita (Paloma Valley, Menifee) 6-1, 220 Sr.
WR/DB -- Bobby Ratliff (Etiwanda, Rancho Cucamonga) 6-2, 180 Sr.
RB/DB -- David Dash (Kaiser, Fontana) 5-9, 160 Sr.
KR/WR -- Marcell Peoples (Santiago, Corona) 5-8, 165 Sr.
RB/DB -- Jonathan Maricic (Elsinore, Wildomar) 5-11, 200 Sr.
ATH -- Darius Guillory (Chaparral, Temecula) 5-9, 170 Jr.

*Taking the standard measurements of a football combine, the SPARQ Rating weighs and combines the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, vertical jump and Power Ball toss bench press into a single number that serves as a benchmark for an athlete's overall athleticism. Thus, football players can track the progress of their training, through occasional tests, and compare SPARQ Ratings with teammates, training partners and competitors. To learn more about the SPARQ Rating, go to sparqtraining.com.