South Hills & Steve Bogan are one game away from a Southeast Division Finals appearance. (photo courtesy of www.southhillsfootball.org)
Game times are 7:30 PM unless otherwise indicated
Friday December 4
Diamond Ranch (6-6) at South Hills (10-2) at Covina District Field
Last Meeting: Diamond Ranch 15-12 (2008 Southeast Division Semi-Finals)
The Panthers defense came up big when they needed it against Schurr as Elijah Hensley intercepted Aaron Cantu’s last second pass in the end zone. The Huskies took care of business with a win over Crescenta Valley on the road.
Both teams are taking care of business on the field as Diamond Ranch has won five straight games with their last loss coming against Charter Oak. South Hills has won nine straight after starting the season 1-2 with losses against La Habra and Tesoro.
The Panthers rely on a heavy dose of Amari Staten who can run between the tackles or turn the corner on a defense. Staten’s back up Jacoby Carter is serviceable when called upon.
Senior quarterback Gus Viramontes is a true leader. He can find the open receiver or find open space to run for a first down.
Ryan Gibson and Brandon Taylor are good targets for Viramontes find in the open. Gibson is a big-play receiver who has very good hands. Hensley can also be counted on to catch some passes.
The Huskies are led by Jacob Shirley who wasn’t even the starter at the beginning of the year. Shirley has a rocket arm and scrambles well.
Most of Shirley’s passes go to Ify Umodu and Geoffrey Vaughns who have accounted for 65 of 111 receptions. Dakota Behr is one of the best tight ends in the Southeast Division and has sure hands.
Vaughns rushed for 1,037 yards on the season and has a bruising back up in Jamel Hart.
OUTLOOK: Diamond Ranch must keep Jacob Shirley from roaming outside the pocket and getting yardage with his feet. Offensively, Viramontes needs to make good decisions when scrambling. Staten will get his yards and if Gibson can get open it will be a long night for South Hills.
The Huskies must contain Viramontes and not allow him to scramble for yardage. They also must defend against the quick strike capability of Gibson. On the offensive side of the ball, Shirley must continue to manage the game. Vaughns will have to be able to get 4+ yards a carry.
PREDICTION: Can you argue with the success of Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton? The Panthers lost to six playoff teams that have gone on to the quarterfinals and Chino Hills is now in the Southern Division semi-finals against Upland. Not taking anything away from what South Hills has done this season, Diamond Ranch has been tested more during the pre-season.
Diamond Ranch 24 South Hills 17
Saturday December 5
California (9-2-1) at Charter Oak (11-1)
The Condors are 9-0-1 since dropping their two straight to start the season. The Chargers were considered to have a good chance at a State Bowl game before dropping a home game to Rancho Cucamonga (in a Southern Division semi-final). Since the loss they have rattled off eight-straight wins.
Last week, California needed a Terris Jones 30-yard touchdown reception to defeat Burbank and advance to the semi-finals. Charter Oak took care of business quite easily against West Covina.
This game is a marquee match-up of running backs. With Jones averaging 145 yards per game on the ground and now being featured in the slot on certain offensive sets. The Chargers counter with Adam Muema who can batter a defense.
For the Condors it isn’t just about Jones. They also have elusive Travis Alexander who can come in and get valuable yards while Jones is on the sidelines.
Quarterback Adam Contreras is developing into a nice signal-caller and can manage a game as well as any of the four quarterbacks remaining in the semi-finals.
When they do need to throw the ball, Christian Hernandez is a good option with his 15 yards per catch average along with Bryan Barragan’s 19 yards per catch.
Prior to the playoffs the California defense had only allowed one team to score more than 20 points in a game. During the playoffs they have given up an average of 24 points a game. The defense during the season did have a 12-quarter shut-out streak going.
As previously stated, the offense goes through Muema. He has gone from a finesse runner to a bruising back that doesn’t go down after the first hit.
Sophomore quarterback Travis Santiago has grown into his role and if given time will pick apart a defense.
AJ Powell and Dennis Rufus are two of the best receivers in the Southeast Division. If they are covered, Christian Boyd and Kyle Brown will be asked to make plays.
Powell also can change field position in a blink of an eye with his defense and playmaking ability.
OUTLOOK: California must wrap up on defense and not allow Muema to get second and third effort yardage after the initial contact. The Condors must also try to rattle Santiago when facing long yardage situations. Jones must have the game of his life on offense against a much disciplined Charter Oak defense.
The Chargers will probably put eight or nine guys in a box and make Contreras beat them. They also need to get off to another fast start and not suffer from post-West Covina win hangover. Muema will get his yards, which means when Santiago is called upon to move the chains in long yardage situations he must make a play.
OUTCOME: This is going to be a good-old fashion defensive battle. Both teams will punch each other in the mouth and the first who blinks will win this game. In the end, Charter Oak has too many weapons for California.
Charter Oak 17 California 14
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