By Joe Torosian
Notre Dame/Riverside finally caught and past Linfield Christian. The odds of these two teams meeting again are as good as the sky being blue when there are no clouds. The 29ers could shock the world, but keep an eye on Rancho Mirage in November. The Rattlers are full of venom, so tread lightly.
1.) Notre Dame/Riverside (3-0, 8-0): It’s good thing the Titans are playing Western Christian this week. The inevitable let down after beating Linfield Christian is in play, but this means they’ll only win 40-7 instead of 80-7.
2.) Linfield Christian (2-1, 7-1): All the Lions pain, frustration, and anger will be vented on Arrowhead this week. Don’t count out LC in a semifinal, or title game, rematch with NDR.
3.) Twentynine Palms (4-0, 8-0): The 29ers final two opponents (Desert Mirage & Yucca Valley) are a combined 1-8 in the De Anza and 6-11 overall. HC Ernest Martinez needs to bring in a sparring partner from Nevada to get ready for the playoffs.
4.) Mission Prep (2-0, 6-2): Quarterback Bryce Fledderman has arrived. The junior played the best game of his career (17 of 23, 264 yards, & 3 Tds) against Nipomo last Friday. His elevated play makes the Royals contenders in the Northwest.
5.) Bishop Montgomery (1-0, 7-1): It’s not the Knights fault, but they need better post-season tune-ups than what the South Catholic League has to offer. They go to Cantwell this week. Think Pearl Harbor on December 8th when it is over.
6.) Nipomo (2-1, 4-5): The Titans are not bad. They just happened to play a tough schedule and an ascending Mission Prep team. No repeat title in 2015.
7.) Ontario Christian (2-1, 6-2): Hello to sophomore quarterback Kevin Jack! OC needs to stay focused or Aquinas could burn them.
8.) Valley Christian (3-0, 7-2): The Crusaders have lost three straight to Maranatha. VC will win and then ride a bye week into the playoffs as the Olympic League champions for the first time since 2009.
9.) Rancho Mirage (4-1, 7-2): Who puts the bite in the Rattlers? Try sophomore quarterback Marques Prior: 979 yards and 11 touchdowns passing, 673 yards and 7 touchdowns rushing.
10.) Templeton (1-1, 5-3): Had a nice bye week and now have a shot to drop Nipomo into third place in the Northern League.
Dreaming (because dreaming is free) of the Top Ten: Maranatha (2-0, 5-3);
Shadow Hills (3-1, 4-4); Pasadena Poly (1-0, 5-3).
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