New Redlands School Takes On the Big Boys

Southern California is already home to several intense high school rivalries, and a new one will be born Friday night when Redlands plays Redlands East Valley at the University of Redlands.

East Valley, a new school with more than 2,100 students, is fielding teams in 21 varsity sports this school year, Athletic Director Rhonda Fouch said. The Wildcats are competing as a free-lance team in football this season and will join the powerful Division I Citrus Belt League in 1998.

Upperclassmen in the East Valley attendance area were given a choice to stay at Redlands, which last year had about 4,800 students, or start anew at East Valley.

Last week, with no seniors and no experienced varsity players, East Valley lost its opener against Division IV Etiwanda, 66-0. In addition to Division I Redlands, East Valley also will play Division I Dana Hills.

Nevertheless, East Valley Coach Chuck Baker is looking forward to Friday’s game.

“We liken it to a Civil War--with a lot better feeling about one another than the North and the South had,” said Baker, who has taught in Redlands schools for 26 years and coached at Redlands High for 15. “People in the community are excited, but I don’t think there’s anticipation over the outcome. We could have waited a few years to play Redlands, but it’s going to be a great rivalry and there’s no sense putting it off. It’s going to happen and now is as good a time as any.”

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Hacienda Heights Wilson’s 17-12 victory over Rowland Heights Rowland last week extended the Wildcats’ winning streak to 16 games, the state’s third longest.

De La Salle of Concord leads the state--and the nation--with 65 consecutive victories. East Nicholaus in Northern California is second in the state with 21.

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Basketball practice won’t officially begin until November, but prep basketball junkies can get their fill this weekend during two club tournaments designed as showcases for college recruiters.

The NCAA’s “live” evaluation period allows coaches to watch players and make home visits Sept. 9-26.

The Long Beach Fall Hoops Classic at Long Beach City College runs Friday through Sunday. The Double Pump Shootout at Cal State Dominguez Hills will be played Saturday and Sunday.