Heads or tails ... Norco or Chaparral?

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Where to go, where to go?

I can’t decide which Inland Division quarterfinal game to attend tonight, third-seeded Redlands East Valley at Norco, or fourth-seeded Miller at Chaparral.

I’ve made the long trek to Chaparral twice this season, but haven’t seen Miller. I navigated the back roads to Norco twice in the last month, but haven’t seen REV since the third week.

Both games should be close. Norco knows how to peak at the right time, advancing to four straight section finals and winning the last two. The Cougars are also playing in their home corral for the fourth straight week.

The only concern could be Norco’s health, as quarterback Josh Foley left in the third quarter of a 27-7 victory over Ayala last week with a twisted ankle, and running back Josh Nakamoto is slowly returning from an ankle injury that cost him most of the regular season. If the Cougars have to rely on their defense, they’ll be in trouble.

That’s because Redlands East Valley has the most exciting running back in the Inland Empire in Chris Polk, the USC-bound senior who rushed for 331 yards and four touchdowns last week in a 60-53 (not a misprint) victory over Murrieta Valley.

Miller might have the most exciting quarterback, though, in senior A.J. Springer, who has thrown for 1,852 yards and 18 touchdowns this season and rushed for 1,646 yards and 23 touchdowns. Springer had 338 yards of total offense in a one-point loss to REV three weeks ago. I’d like to see how how Springer compares to Kavon Seaton of Vista Murrieta, and this will likely be my last chance.

Chaparral also has developed a knack for winning close games this season. The Pumas have won four of five that were decided by five points or less.

Decisions, decisions. Maybe somebody can help me on this one?

-- Dan Arritt