MidValleySports.Com

Andy Villanueva

CIF Playoff Pairings: Southeast Division

Santa Fe (7-4, Del Rio #2) at West Covina (10-1, Hacienda #1)

Last Meeting: 2002 CIF VII Division Playoffs – Santa Fe 30-14

Intriguing game now that the Chiefs have established some semblance of a passing game with Christian Mahlstede. Running game is good with Alex Mirola, yet Santa Fe will have its hands full with a very fast defensive team in West Covina.

The Bulldogs called the dogs off after leading 35-0 at the half. Anybody who has followed West Covina knows it’s all about establishing the running game with Chris Solomon and company. George Johnson manages the game better than any quarterback in the Southeast Division.

How Does Santa Fe Win? Play the same type of defense that held Bonita and Charter Oak to their lowest point totals of the regular season. Show the Bulldogs that Mahlstede can be comfortable throwing the ball to his receivers. Stop Chris Solomon. It’s all easier said than done against West Covina.

How Does West Covina Win? Continue to the play “smash-mouth” football that has worn down every team since Week One. Get Mahlstede rattled early when on defense. Play sound football which has been the reason the Bulldogs have won ten straight.

West Covina  35-14

*****

Burroughs (7-4, Pacific #1) at Mayfair (7-4, Suburban #2) (Bellflower HS)

Last Meeting:

The Yanez brothers are destroying defensive backfields in the Southeast Division the last two weeks. With the Indians finally getting head coach Keith Knoop a win, it could mean a long run in the post-season with a renewed confidence. Zander Anding and Tadeo Zuniga can keep any defense off-balance with its quick running game.

Jason Logologo had his best game against Diamond Ranch last week in the win. The Monsoons held a very good running team in the Panthers to low yardage total last week. They allowed Cesar Carillo to beat them and it worked.

How Does Burroughs Win? The Indians have caught lightning in a bottle with the connection of Lucas and Tyler Yanez. It is imperative that they continue to use that connection. Anding and Zuniga need to find holes to run and keep Mayfair’s defense on the field.

How Does Mayfair Win? Need to match-up against Tyler Yanez on defense. While they have an eye on Yanez, need to also remember that Matt Volland is also a big play receiver. LogoLogo must have another big game to allow manageable yardage situations.

Burroughs 21-14

*****

Bonita (10-1, Hacienda #2) at Muir (7-4, Pacific #4)

Last Meeting:

Bearcats will have its hands full against the Mustangs. Bonita easily handled California on Friday night and gave its first team some needed rest heading into Muir. Aerial show was on full display against the Condors in the first half with Garrett Pendleton passing for 250 yards.

The “Wild Mustang” was in full effect against La Mirada with Kevon Seymour leading the way. New wrinkle in an already explosive offense that will only help Jeffrey Davis manage the game. Muir is definitely clicking at the right time on offense.

How Does Bonita Win? Put pressure on Muir early. Quick Strike offense is good but with so many athletes for the Mustangs it might be better to keep them off the field. Pendleton has enough weapons in Matt Gelalich, Cameron Salce, Grant Wharton, and Zac Brungard. Eric Mikity and K.C. Huth will be key on the defensive side of the ball. As one coach told me, “Huth is the guy that goes under the radar.”

How Does Muir Win? Seymour played the “Wild Mustang” to perfection against La Mirada. Same type of game would help Muir go a long way on offense. Davis must play a complete game with no mistakes. Tairen Owens is a big play back that can change a game in a blink of an eye.

Muir 35-28

*****

La Serna (10-1 Del Rio #1) at Norwalk (7-4, Suburban #3) (Adult Excelsior School)

Last Meeting: 2008 La Serna 14-8

Since 2004 La Serna leads series 5-0 (at Adult Excelsior School 3-0)

Maybe the nail-biting finish is what La Serna needed before facing another tough opponent in Norwalk. With all the stars that La Serna has, it was Travis Guerra coming up with two clutch field goals to win the game.

Talk about pounding the rock. Norwalk just does that with three 300 pound linemen that will wear down defenses. Adrian Diaz and former starting quarterback Donovan Gumbs connected for the biggest touchdown of the season against Arcadia.

How Does La Serna Win? Give the defense some time to rest. That is real essential as Norwalk managed to wear down a smaller line in the Apaches a week before. Andrew Buenrostro will have time to throw and with a running game lead by Richard Alvarez, Norwalk will be on its heels.

How Does Norwalk Win? Don’t change a thing if you are head coach Jesse Ceniceros. Billy Moore and Elijhaa Penny do most of their damage inside the tackles. Defensively, they are on high being able to hold the high powered Apaches to just 27 points.

La Serna 35-28

*****