Football: Redlands East Valley has imposing defensive line

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If you want to know why Redlands East Valley is 9-0 and a serious threat to win the Inland Division championship, it starts with the Wildcats’ defense and in particular, their defensive line.

The Wildcats have recorded four shutouts going into their Citrus Belt League title decider on Thursday night against unbeaten Yucaipa (9-0). And it’s the defensive line leading the way.

Three of the four defensive line starters are juniors _ brothers Mekeli and Ritsoni Fata and Kylie Fitts. Add senior Edmund Faimalo, and you have a dominant line. Fitts, at 6 feet 4, 251 pounds, is expected to be one of the top line recruits for 2013.

The Wildcats have also been strengthened by the return of their previously injured running backs, Taylor Thompson and Darius Parrison.

So no one should think their victory over Mission Viejo was a fluke. This is a team to reckon with all the way to week 14, with unbeaten Upland and once-beaten Corona Centennial soon to be tested.

-- Eric Sondheimer