High school baseball in the Inland Empire usually runs through Corona. That’s the script we’re used to, but the 2026 season just flipped that script on its head. After a dominant 10-3 victory over Eastvale Roosevelt on April 13, the Norco Cougars aren't just winning—they’re pulling away.
The Cougars now sit two games clear at the top of the Big VIII League. While everyone was watching the traditional powerhouses, Norco quietly built a roster that’s hitting .358 as a team and showing a level of defensive discipline that makes most varsity squads look like they're playing JV.
The night Norco took control
Monday’s matchup against Roosevelt wasn't supposed to be a blowout. Roosevelt entered the game at 9-9, looking to play spoiler on their home turf. Instead, they ran into a Norco lineup that’s currently firing on all cylinders.
Dylan Seward and Codey Brown have turned the top of the order into a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Seward, a junior infielder, is putting up video game numbers this spring. He’s hitting .509 with five home runs and 10 stolen bases. You don't see that kind of power-speed combo often at the prep level. Against Roosevelt, Seward kept the pressure high, proving why his .887 slugging percentage isn't a fluke.
Meanwhile, Codey Brown has been the on-base machine the Cougars need. His .654 OBP means he’s basically a guaranteed baserunner every time he steps up. When you’ve got guys like that setting the table, 10-run games become the standard, not the exception.
Chaos in the standings
While Norco was handling business in Eastvale, the rest of the Big VIII was busy eating itself alive. Corona Centennial pulled off a massive 5-2 upset over Corona. That result is a gift for Norco. Corona has been the benchmark for years, but seeing them stumble against Centennial gives Norco the breathing room they need heading into the final stretch.
Santiago also kept themselves in the conversation with a 7-1 win over King. Josh Angulo and Max Eldridge both went deep in that one, while Troy Randall racked up three hits. Santiago is talented, but they’re still chasing the Cougars.
As it stands, the Big VIII hierarchy looks a lot different than it did in February.
Norco is sitting pretty at 15-2 overall.
Corona and Santiago are battling for the second spot, but the two-game gap is a massive hurdle with only a few weeks of league play remaining.
Roosevelt and King are struggling to find consistency, currently sitting in the middle of the pack.
Why the Cougars are different this year
It’s not just the hitting. Norco’s pitching staff, led by sophomore Jordan Ayala, has been lights out. Ayala’s ERA is sitting at a perfect 0.00 through the mid-point of April. Think about that. In a league as hitter-friendly as the Big VIII, he hasn't surrendered an earned run.
Behind the pitchers, the defense is hovering at a .971 fielding percentage. Elijah Alvarez and Zion Martinez have been perfect in the field, literally. Both carry a 1.000 fielding percentage. When you don’t give up free bases and you don't commit errors, you win games. It’s a simple formula that Norco is executing to perfection.
Honestly, the most impressive part of this run is how Norco responded after their first loss of the season back in late February. Most teams would let a 3-2 heartbreaker against a rival like Corona linger. Norco just got back to work. They’ve since knocked off powerhouses like Orange Lutheran and Mater Dei in tournament play, proving they can compete with anyone in Southern California.
What to watch for this week
Don't expect the Cougars to coast. They have a rematch scheduled with Roosevelt on April 15 and 17. These three-game series are designed to test a team's pitching depth. If Norco can sweep the week, the league title is essentially theirs.
If you're a scout or just a fan of local ball, keep your eyes on the Seward-Ayala-Brown trio. They’re the engine driving this 15-2 start. If they stay healthy, Norco isn't just a Big VIII favorite—they’re a legitimate threat for a deep CIF Southern Section playoff run.
If you want to catch the action, get to the park early. The buzz around this Norco team is real, and the bleachers are filling up fast. Check the MaxPreps schedule for start times, but usually, these 4:00 PM league games are where the season is won or lost.
