Golden League preview

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OK, so Palmdale is a shoe-in to take its sixth consecutive Golden League title, but something hasn’t been right in Falcon land since they were a Division III finalist in 2003. Three consecutive first-round playoff losses have followed since that memorable trek to the Home Depot Center, and Palmdale Coach Jeff Williams realizes it’s one of those things his players often think about, even though they don’t talk about it much.

“I’m sure it’s always there in the back of their minds and I know they want to do more,” Williams said. “They’ve all set some pretty high goals for themselves and I’m sure going deeper into the playoffs is one of them.”

With 13 returning starters (most of whom are on offense), the boys of 20th Street East may be the most talented group of Falcons since that 2003 team. RB Ronald Scott is aiming for a 2,000-yard season after rushing for more than 1,600 last season, says Williams, and he’ll have plenty of help in front of him with UCLA-bound Connor Bradford anchoring an experienced offensive line. WRs Malcolm Culver, Derrin Ford, Tony Castillo and TE Anthony Crane form the best receiving corps in the Antelope Valley. QBs Brandon Mims and Joshua Shaw are competing for the starting job.

Highland is not as talented as Palmdale, but that didn’t stop Randy Block from making a fine coaching debut on Friday. The Bulldogs look poised to make another trip to the postseason with guys like QB Jerold Robinson and RB Doug Burnside at the helm. Also helping out will be LB Chad Ellis, who’s coming off an 11-sack 2006 season.

As for the league’s final playoff spot, can veteran Coach Pat Degnan over at Quartz Hill wring out the full potential from a decent group of returning players who went a forgettable 3-7 last year? Or will rookie Coach Chad Shrout get Lancaster back to the playoffs behind RB Taveon Burke and defensive studs Gino Monaco and Wayne Ennis? Stay tuned.

Here’s my prediction: 1. Palmdale, 2. Highland, 3. Quartz Hill, 4. Lancaster, 5. Antelope Valley, 6. Knight, 7. Littlerock, 8. Eastside

Must-see games:

• Sept. 7 – Valencia at Palmdale, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 20 – Lancaster at Canyon, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 5 – Lancaster at Quartz Hill, 7 p.m.
• Nov. 2 – Palmdale at Highland, 7 p.m.

- Austin Knoblauch