Friday November 20, 2009
Muir (4-6, Pacific #4) at Charter Oak (9-1, Miramonte #1)
Two storied football schools meet in the first round of the Southeast Division playoffs.
The Mustangs have been in a do or die situation for the last three weeks and have risen to the occasion. The Chargers just finished dominating the Miramonte league by shutting out the entire league.
Muir has played some tough teams this year and began the season 0-3 with losses to Diamond Ranch (Charter Oak defeated them 12-0), Venice (who defeated West Covina 41-33), and Oaks Christian (defeated Venice 33-13). All total their three pre-season opponents were a combined 23-7 this season.
The key to the Mustangs has been the emergence of Jarron Williams who was lights out on Friday against rival Pasadena. Throw in a double threat at running back with Eddie Tripp and Ricky Vaughns and you have a recipe for a possible upset.
Muir’s scoring defense was stellar in the Pacific League only allowing 12 points per game and the offense has been improving every game.
They are the defending champions in the Southeast Division and definitely have a swagger that makes it difficult to think the Chargers can’t win another title.
Offensively, Charter Oak has 1,144 yard runner Adam Muema in the backfield and sophomore quarterback Travis Santiago who has matured into a very good quarterback.
Wide receiver/defensive back A.J. Powell is a dangerous defender and receiver who will have to cover Ormani Duncan. Dennis Rufus is a deep threat with his speed.
This is the worst possible scenario for the Chargers as they face their toughest opponent since Etiwanda on October 9th. The Mustangs can play defense and are playoff tested based on the last three weeks.
Charter Oak will have their hands full but should be overcome the Mustangs.
Charter Oak 27-20
San Gabriel (6-4, Almont #2) at West Covina (6-4, San Antonio #2)
At one point in the season, a case could be made that both teams were not going to get into the playoffs.
The Matadors had a tough time protecting Isaac Valdez at the beginning of the season but the offensive line has gelled and has allowed him time to make plays. The return of Alex Lopez at wide receiver also has helped a talented receiving corp in Mark Covarrubias (43 catches for 650 yards) and Andres Fernandez. As a team San Gabriel has run for over 1,489 yards, with Valdez accounting for 587 yards.
The Bulldogs have been on a roll since getting completely outplayed by South Hills in the San Antonio opener. Ever since then, they have given up 28 points in three games and destroyed Rowland in the process.
West Covina will only go as far as the running game allows them to. Ricky Johnson (118 carries for 948 yards), Jesse Ili and sophomore Chris Solomon will have to punish an undersized defensive unit in the Matadors and make the game manageable for junior quarterback George Johnson.
This game looks like a mismatch on paper. The Bulldogs should just book their ticket to the quarterfinals. On second look, the Matadors have the weapons to make this came something special. One thing is certain; West Covina has trouble against mobile quarterbacks. San Gabriel also needs to rattle George Johnson early in the game and make him beat them.
San Gabriel 28-27
Rowland (8-2, San Antonio #3) at California (7-2-1, Del Rio #1)
Last Meeting: September 11, 2009; Rowland 17-10
In the first meeting in week one, both teams were unable to get much offense going as the defenses took center stage.
The Raiders were near the top the CIF-SS Southeast Division polls most of the season until getting beaten by South Hills last week. They have been without quarterback Michael Ball since the opening week of San Antonio league action when he went down with an injury.
The Condors have been unstoppable since starting the season 0-2. Simply put this team has managed to allow 75 points in their last eight games. This includes two shutouts in the DRL.
If Ball returns this game changes completely as he can beat you with his arm and feet. Question will be if he is game fit to play in the first round. If not, Rowland loses a big target in wide receiver Leonardo Freeman who is the backup quarterback. Running back Josh Onovughe will get the bulk of the carries on offense for the Raiders.
Everybody in attendance will be keying in on California senior running back Terris Jones who has led the offense every step of the way. Even with Jones being keyed in on by the opponents, he has managed 1,195 yards during the season.
This game will come down two things. First will be if Michael Ball plays the Raiders having a good chance of knocking out the DRL champ. Second will be if Jones can run against Rowland. Last game, he only rushed for 30 yards.
California 17-14
Alhambra (6-3, Almont #3) at Burbank (8-2, Pacific #1)
The Bulldogs have too many weapons and can beat on the ground or in the air. Junior quarterback Adam Colman is a bona fide leader and wide receiver Sam Bethany is tough as nails. Throw in a double-headed monster on the ground with Ulises Ochoa and Leo Rodas spells trouble for the Moors.
No running game all season will finally end the season for Alhambra. No matter how you slice it, quarterback Darrin Cazarin will need to be perfect and find receivers Joseph Becerra and Mitchell Crockum.
Burbank 35-17
El Rancho (5-5, Del Rio #3) at Schurr (8-1-1, Almont #1)
Dons backed their way in with a coin flip, while the Spartans took prisoners in the Almont.
El Rancho will need to establish some sort of passing game to have any luck against a very good defense in Schurr. Running the ball will not be an issue as Art Franco and Ronnel Lone will be carrying the ball. Tate Harshbarger (107 tackles) and Bryan Turner (97 tackles) lead the El Rancho defense.
Schurr has great weapons that stay under the radar. Carlos Arredondo is one of the best wide receivers in the Southeast Division that many have not heard of. Nick Castillo will pound the ball all night if allowed too. Then there is the strong arm of Aaron Cantu who finds the open receiver.
Schurr is on a roll and much to the chagrin of the Dons faithful they are standing in their way.
Schurr 35-10
Diamond Ranch (4-6, Miramonte #2) at Burroughs (8-2, Pacific #2)
Panthers have had one brutal schedule from top to bottom. Prior to the last two weeks, Diamond Ranch had faced eight straight teams heading to the playoffs. They also come into the game with a three-game winning streak.
The Indians have been playing undermanned all season and this week will be a telling story on how they came out of the rivalry game against Burbank.
Burroughs quarterback Lucas Yanez must be at 100% and Dalton Williams will have to carry the load if they want to advance to the next round.
Diamond Ranch has played much tougher opposition to get ready for the playoffs.
Diamond Ranch 25-21
Crescenta Valley (7-3, Pacific #3) at Santa Fe (7-3, Del Rio #2)
The Falcons are no strangers to facing DRL teams in the opening round of the playoffs as last year they dispatched California. The Chiefs have been here before against a Pacific League team that on paper should pose no problem. Remember Burbank last season?
Crescenta Valley running back Harry Pessy will be asked to carry the majority of the carries and Kyle Cota will need to manage the game and not make a mistake. On defense it is all Tanner Hamilton in the defensive backfield.
Santa Fe will need to control the line scrimmage on both sides of the ball as the Falcons will wear down a defensive side. On offense the Chiefs will rely on quarterback Alex Flores to manage the game and not make any mistakes. Flores has a good arm and has made the correct decisions in most games. William Bomer and Cameron Oliver will need to find holes that the Chief offensive line will make against Crescenta Valley.
Last year, the Del Rio league went 0-2 against the Pacific in the first round of the playoffs. This season should be different if Santa Fe reverts to back to the way they played against San Clemente and Bell Gardens.
Santa Fe 28-21
Bonita (3-7, Miramonte #3) at South Hills (7-3, San Antonio #1)
One and done for the Bearcats as the Huskies have way too many weapons.
Jacob Shirley has become a leader for South Hills at quarterback. Geoffrey Vaughns and Jamel Hart will have a field day running the ball. Receivers Ify Umodu and Dakota Behr have a large size advantage on the cornerbacks that Bonita has.
South Hills 42-14
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