Football: Get ready for lots of hitting in the IE

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It’s a battle of the unbeatens on Friday, when Rancho Cucamonga (6-0) faces Upland (6-0) in a Baseline League showdown.

It’s an opportunity for even more people to get a glimpse of rising junior linebacker standout Viliami Latu of Rancho Cucamonga.

‘He’s the real deal,’ Upland Coach Tim Salter said.

Rancho Cucamonga doesn’t give up too many yards on the ground, and one reason is the play of Latu.

‘They’re playing fantastic defense and they know how to run the ball, and that’s a lethal combination in high school football,’ Salter said.

But Upland has speed and big-play ability with receiver Kenny Lawler.

-- Eric Sondheimer