Throwin’ a flag on Southern Section rankings

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Since co-blogger Austin Knoblauch boldly called out the folks who compile the Southern Section rankings, I’ll throw in my two cents. ‘What were you guys thinking ranking Vista Murrieta over Redlands East Valley in the Inland Division?

Did they consult the Pickin’ Chicken?

Vista Murrieta beat Redlands (no votes in the Inland Divison rankings), San Pasquel (not ranked in the top 10 in the San Diego Union-Tribune coverage area), La Palma Kennedy (ranked eighth in the Southern Division, one of the weakest divisions in the section), Coachella Valley (not even one of the five best teams in the Coachella Valley) and Grand Junction, Colo. (not even the best team in GJ).

Redlands East Valley has defeated Riverside North (ranked second in the Eastern Division), Dominguez (ranked fourth in the Western Division), Colton (ranked sixth in the Central Division) and Eisenhower (REV’s first breather, but still 3-0 coming into the game).

Even Eisenhower, REV’s easiest opponent, received more votes in the Inland Division than Redlands, Vista Murrieta’s toughest opponent.

The section rankings seem to lose more credibility each year. That wouldn’t be such a big deal, but those rankings are taken into consideration when section officials draw up the playoff brackets.

I don’t want you guys to look bad, that’s all. I still remember sitting in the section office last November and asking Rob Wigod one question, ‘How could Orange Lutheran not be seeded in the top four?’ A month later, the Lancers are adding a Division II state bowl championship to its Pac-5 Division title.

I case you want to see for yourself how good REV is, here’s directions to four of its next six games.

- Dan Arritt

Editor Bob: Unfortunately (at least as far as I’m concerned), it is against The Times’ editorial policy to participate in any voting, though the Southern Section invites us to each week. This goes for the entire Sports Department, not just high school sports.