MidValleySports.Com

Andy Villanueva

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3

GAMETIME: 7 PM

West Covina (12-1, Hacienda #1) vs. Bonita (12-1, Hacienda #2)  (Walnut HS)

Last Meetings: October 29 West Covina 55-21

2008 CIF Southeast Division Playoffs 28-18

On October 29, both teams came into the game undefeated in Hacienda league play. Bonita was 7-0 and rolling. West Covina after dropping the opening game to Covina began to put together an impressive run.

The Bulldogs have not been to a Finals game since defeating South Hills 19-8 in 2004 for the Division VII Title.

The Bearcats have been waiting 11 years for a shot at another Title shot.

Thinking this date was circled back on October 30^th the day after Bonita was manhandled by West Covina. Now the game will also be played on either a “neutral” field or Glenn Davis Stadium.

The Bulldogs defense came up big against Mayfair inside the redzone in the fourth quarter that could have changed the complexion of the game. Instead, the vaunted front-four of West Covina stuffed the Monsoons on three plays at the four-yard line to preserve a two-point lead.

Even though Bonita wasn’t its usual high-powered offensive juggernaut, it certainly found a way to win against a gutty La Serna team. K.C. Huth was the catalyst with two blocked field goals that resulted in a swing of 13 points. As big as the block was early, the momentum going into the half would have been changed if not for Huth coming around the corner and putting his body on the ball.

How Does West Covina Win? Continue the rushing attack that it didn’t abandon against Mayfair. Stretch the Bearcat defense with B.J. Lee running the sweep. Chris Solomon must run down hill and hit the holes with explosiveness. Create turnovers on defense and pressure Garrett Pendleton more than in the October 29 game.

How Does Bonita Win? Find a way to protect Pendleton from the likes of Maurice Dupleasis, Justin Meaders, Deion Steppes, and George Castro. Get a running game that can get those real important short yardage situations. With so many weapons for the Bearcats they must convert inside the Bulldogs 20 and not settle for field goals. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.

West Covina 35-28

Though both teams are focused to win the title, the Bulldogs have just found ways to cause turnovers. West Covina also has a defense that just finds ways to stop teams inside its own 20.  Bonita will keep it close with its passing game.