West Covina's Aaron Salgado
West Covina (12-1, Hacienda #1) vs La Serna (9-4, Del Rio #3)
Game Time: 7pm
Where: California High School
What difference a year makes for at least La Serna, during the summer Head Coach Margarito Beltran was lamenting about not being able to face-off against West Covina. It’s a year later, but he gets his wish in the form of a classic “David vs Goliath” final in the Southeast.
The Bulldogs look to become back-to-back champs for the first time in school history as Mike Maggiore has led his team to the finals for two straight seasons. In the last two seasons, West Covina has lost a total of two games (Covina and Loyola).
HOW THEY GOT THERE: West Covina: def. Norwalk 38-8, def. Pasadena 55-12, def. La Mirada 63-34
La Serna: def. Mayfair 47-34, def. Los Altos 42-38, def. Muir 28-3
When West Covina has the ball: Chris Solomon received the majority of the carries against La Mirada and showed all why he is considered the best running back in the San Gabriel Valley. Jimmy Frazier sliced his way through the Matadores defense with ease last Friday night. Chris Caballero will be asked to just control the game and if called upon can be found throwing to Brad Ojala.
When La Serna has the ball: Not enough can be said for the job Frankie Palmer has done with the Lancers offense. All the sophomore has done is lead La Serna to the finals of the Southeast Division. OJ Medina makes the Lancers very dangerous as the offense could be able to keep West Covina off balance.
Player to Watch: Justin Meaders (West Covina defensive lineman) – The La Serna offensive line will have its hands full with Meaders changing up from the left or right side of the line. Add to the fact he can also lineup like a linebacker with his speed and athleticism it will take a great effort to stop him from getting too much pressure on Palmer.
Matchup to Watch: La Serna running game vs West Covina running game – The team that can establish the running game early will have a huge advantage. With the Lancers it boils down to lots of play-action to keep the Bulldogs off balance. West Covina will use its three-prong attack to wear down the La Serna defense for quick strike running plays later in the game as evident against La Mirada.
WEST COVINA 35-17
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