Etiwanda High School has enjoyed an upward swing in recent seasons and the Eagles look to continue that success Friday when they host Rancho Cucamonga in a key Baseline League game at 7 p.m.
The Eagles (4-2, 1-0) have had a big turnaround this fall, with more wins than they achieved in 2017 when they finished 3-8 with a first-round playoff loss.
“I think we’ve made slow, steady progress,” said Etiwanda coach Kevin Davis, who is in his fourth season. “It’s been a combo of things, plus being my fourth year here we’ve let it develop.
“Another difference for us is we are winning the close games, like Los Osos (a 24-21 win) last week. In years past, we might not finish (games) as strong, but things are starting to connect for us.”
Etiwanda faces a tough challenge against the Cougars (2-4, 1-0), who have four losses against ranked teams. The setbacks were to Bishop Amat, which is No. 8 in CIF Southern Section Division 1; Norco and Calabasas, ranked Nos. 2 and 4, respectively, in Division 2, and Eastvale Roosevelt, which is No. 6 in Division 3.
The Cougars have found themselves in recent weeks, setting up league play with a 54-6 victory over Victor Valley two weeks ago before a 35-14 win over Chino Hills last week in the league opener.
Rancho Cucamonga, which is averaging more than 350 yards per game, is led by junior quarterback CJ Stroud, who has thrown for 940 yards and eight touchdowns. He threw for four touchdowns two weeks ago and 203 yards last week.
The offense also features junior Quinten Moten, who has rushed for 416 yards and three touchdowns, and senior Mark Perry, who has rushed for 352 yards and four scores. Senior Devvin Gitchuway has 22 receptions for 321 yards and three touchdowns.
“These guys are always tough,” Davis said about Rancho Cucamonga. “They are Division 1 for a reason. It’s always a good matchup. The kids on both sides get up for the game. We both are 1-0, but we know they are good. They played a tough schedule in the preseason, so it’s going to be tough on us, as always.”
Etiwanda, ranked No. 10 in CIF-SS Division 3, rebounded from back-to-back losses with the win over Los Osos in its league opener.
The Eagles are led by sophomore quarterback Brandon Patterson, who has thrown for 1,114 yards and 12 scores, including 195 and a score in the win over Los Osos. Etiwanda also features the rushing combo of senior Jacob Hillstock and junior Tyree Miles, who have rushed for 403 and 306 yards, respectively. They have three touchdowns each.
