The community college season is approaching, and four programs in the IE are ready for the 2025 season. Fortunately, all four programs are in the same conference, the Inland Empire Athletic Conference or IEAC. This group consists of five programs, four from the IE: SBVC, Chaffey, Norco, and Victor Valley College. The top two programs advance to the postseason. I do consider Victor Valley College part of the IE. You can check the IE map I use on my home page.
Not part of the IE, but in the IEAC conference are the College of the Desert and Cerro Coso. I don’t cover them or follow their programs closely, but I just wanted to mention that they are in the conference. Cerro Coso is usually on the IEAC standings in previous seasons, but then they are taken off before the season starts. However, I do see that the other colleges have CC on their schedules, so maybe this year CC will be in the conference.
SBVC
Last Season
The Wolverines finished the 2024 season with an 8-4-8 (4-1-3 in conference) and placed 2nd in the standings to get that runner-up postseason spot. They would lose to Miro Costa in the first round of the playoffs in a dramatic regular overtime ending that led to a penalty shootout. The reaction to the result led to a fist fight between the players after the winning penalty, in which league officials and staff had to defuse the situation.
Coach
Coach Josh Brown has been in charge of SBVC since 2004 and returns for another season. He is a passionate and vocal coach who has his players play a high-intensity, aggressive, and physical style. This season, he is accompanied by a bigger coaching staff, including Michael Zamora and former CSUSB Frankie Sierra.
Opinon
To the disappointment of last season’s dramatic falling off to Miro Costa, SBVC still, in my opinion, is a team that fights to win. The standard of trusting the possession-based and pass-move style is always coach Brown’s style, as they get new freshmen from the local high schools and even recruits from the Temecula Valley. I expect them to repeat the same performance as last season, where they will certainly clinch a playoff spot (and maybe take the IEAC regular season title as changes happen with other schools).
They do, however, need to have cool heads as coach brown is a fierce competitor who could lose his temper with refs. Some of that aggression does bleed to the players, but that’s my only criticism. Having known coach Sierra when I was at the teacher credential program at CSUSB, Frankie is a calm and collected person who could be the ice to coach Brown’s fire.
Prediction
I see them placing 1st or 2nd in the IEAC and perhaps a 2nd round CCCAA run at their most potential.
Poll
Below is a poll I sent out to my Instagram followers, who consist of former professional players and coaches.
| Playoffs? | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 10 | 71% |
| No | 4 | 29% |
Norco
Last Season
Norco ended the 2024 season with a 15-3-5 (6-0-2 in conference) record, claiming the IEAC regular season title. They would fall to Cerritos 2-0 in the 3rd round of the regional playoffs.
Coach
The now former head coach, Drew Rea, has had a successful five-year stint with the men’s program, including two back-to-back IEAC regular season titles in 2023 and 2024. The successful runs landed him a job at ULV back in March. Assistant head coach Oscar Gaytan will replace him.
Stats
- Have not lost an IEAC conference match since 2022 (2-1 L to Chaffey)
- Currently on a 14-game undefeated streak against conference rivals
Opinion
Norco has been competitive in the IEAC group since COVID because of Rea’s leadership. His departure could mean a shakeup in the IEAC group as the team’s performance falls on the feet of Gaytan. It’s a strict standard to follow up, as Rea’s game plan was more mental than physical.
They play the opponent rather than sticking to a game plan, as I observed in one match against SBVC.
It’s hard to follow up with a successful coach like Coach Drew, and I expect Norco’s standings on the IEAC pedestal to shake, but I don’t think they will be knocked out of a competitive season.
Prediction
At worst, 3rd place or 4th, at their best, 2nd with a 1st round CCCAA knockout.
Poll
| Playoffs? | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 10 | 77% |
| No | 3 | 23% |
Chaffey
Last Season
The Panthers finished the 2024 season with a 7-9-6 (3-2-3 in conference) record, finishing 3rd in the IEAC standings.
Coach
Coach Chris Araya has been coaching Chaffey for over two years now and serving as an assistant for longer.
Opinion
The Panthers are a middle-of-the-road type of team; they are not as bad as VVC, but not quite as competitive as SBVC. Their conference wins last season were only against VVC, and they tied the other schools. I don’t see a dramatic change or excitement, but again, with the shakeup with Norco, maybe they could shoot for that second seed spot.
Prediction
At best 3rd, at worst 4th.
Poll
| Playoffs? | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 7 | 54% |
| No | 6 | 46% |
VVC
Last Season
The Rams finished the 2024 season with a 4-14-1 (0-8 in conference) and placed last in the IEAC standings.
Coach
Sammy Lara will retake charge of the Rams (although his tenure leading the program is unclear).
Opinion
There isn’t much to say about the VVC Rams, no change in leadership and constant poor performances give me the impression that they will remain the same this season. Since 2022, they have not won a single IEAC conference match. They do have a newly built football stadium, which could provide a boost for amenities and training.
I don’t think the talent in the High Desert is bad. There are some notable talents from the area, like LAFC’s Aaron Long, but the program needs an overhaul to end its losing streak.
Prediction
5th…
Poll
| Playoffs? | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 4 | 40% |
| No | 6 | 60% |
IEAC Standings and Results in 2024
Previous Seasons
So what do you think? Do you think 2025 will be a different year in the IEAC or more of the same as 2024? Will Norco’s dominance continue?