Azusa's Kendrec McDade (left) and Andrew Tomes face San Marino in Round Two
Friday November 27
Monrovia (11-0, Rio Hondo # 1) at Paraclete (7-4, Olympic # 2)
Last Meeting: 11/23/07 CIF Playoffs Second Round: Paraclete 23 Monrovia 20
On paper this looks easy if you’re wearing Monrovia green. The Wildcats haven’t lost all year and just wiped out South El Monte in the first round. Their running game with Nick Bueno, Derrick Johnson and company is in high gear and the defense has been solid. Paraclete didn’t even win its own league falling to Valley Christian in the season finale.
But look past the paper and you begin to see things a little differently. Paraclete just beat an 8-2 La Puente team 45-0. The Sprits did lose to Valley Christian but VC is the Olympic League champs and beat La Canada 45-0 in the first round. Then there is the Palmdale factor.
Number one, it’s cold in Palmdale. Monrovia might not be as accustomed to it as Paraclete. Number two Paraclete is playing in its own backyard while Monrovia has the long bus ride.
That being said I still like Monrovia. The Spirits will be tough- maybe the toughest opponent Monrovia has seen all year. But in the end M-Town finds a way. The Cats have enough weapons.
Monrovia 24 Paraclete 21
Baldwin Park (9-2, Valle Vista # 2) at Whittier Christian (8-3, Olympic # 3)
Well one thing is for sure. No lead is safe against Whittier Christian. The Heralds may have flown under the radar finishing third in the Olympic League but have opened some eyes now with a first round win over Arroyo. They had to come back from a 24-6 deficit to get it done.
The offense revolves around Garrett Fullbright who has rushed for over 1400 yards and 20 touchdowns.
BP needs to avoid turnovers to have a chance. The Braves committed six in a season ending loss to San Dimas. With Anthony Moran and Wardell Crutchfield running the ball, the ground game should be effective.
If the Braves can eliminate the mistakes, they’ll be fine. It will be a battle but BP will win the war.
Baldwin Park 21 Whittier Christian 17
San Marino (9-2, Rio Hondo # 2) at Azusa (10-1, Montview # 1) Citrus College
First Meeting
Common Opponents: San Marino 34 Gabrielino 0, Azusa 34 Gabrielino 20
San Marino is peaking at the right time. Everybody is healthy and ready to go. If the Titans want to run it they can pound Benny Hung. If they want to pass it Joe Forgatch can throw to Stevie Yortsos, Ben Harwich, Reed Semcken or Sam Winston. They’re loaded. Last week they scored on six of their eight possessions under the play calling of offensive coordinator Mike Mooney.
Azusa has been clicking as well. Kendrec McDade has run for close to 1000 yards and 12 touchdowns and John Chavez has thrown for over 1300. But while Azusa was beating up on the Montview, San Marino was losing to top ranked Monrovia by just two points. Their other league loss was to La Canada.
The Aztec defense is going to have problems dealing with San Marino’s potent offense. The Titans have too many options.
San Marino 31 Azusa 14
Valley Christian (8-3, Olympic # 1) at San Dimas (10-1, Valle Vista # 1)
This is the only game in the Mid-Valley that features two league winners going at it. San Dimas and VC both won their leagues on the last day of the regular season.
The Saints have been playing well on both sides of the ball. Against Baldwin Park the offense started it and the defense finished it. Ryan Kohler, Shawn Kennedy, Justin Winrow and Tre Evans have the offense sailing.
Valley Christian relies on quarterback Kevin Running who led the Olympic League in passing with over 2000 yards. Tanner Miller has over 500 yards in receptions.
It could come down to turnovers and the Saints are good at creating them and then taking advantage. Both teams can put points on the board.
It’s a tough second round test for San Dimas. The Saints should pass.
San Dimas 38 Valley Christian 31
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