At time of publishing game time is listed for Friday night at 7:00 p.m.
Sierra Canyon (13-0) at San Dimas (10-3) at San Dimas High School
Common opponents:
This year the two teams have just one common opponent, Paraclete. Sierra Canyon beat Paraclete by 14 points 48-34. San Dimas beat the Spirits by 15, 43-28.
Edge: Draw
Defense:
On defense the Trailblazers have allowed 19 points per game during the playoffs and the Saints 26. Overall Sierra Canyon’s defense has allowed just over 15 points a game while San Dimas’ defense has allowed just over 17.
Edge: Slight edge to Sierra Canyon based on playoff points allowed.
Ground game:
San Dimas has rushed for an impressive 4,449 yards as a team lead by Jarell Sykes’ 2,021 and 28 touchdowns. David Cortez has added 1,004 and 12 td’s and Edward Siapno another 674 and eight td’s. Although Sierra Canyon’s rushing totals aren’t quite as eye popping as the Saints, they are still a solid 3,264 led by Bobby Cole’s 2,071 yards and 27 touchdowns and Leo Gomez adds 365 yards and eight scores.
Edge: San Dimas
Passing game:
Where San Dimas has the edge on the ground, Sierra Canyon has an even bigger edge through the air. Niko Harris has thrown for over 2,800 yards and 43 touchdowns. Kohl Holinquest, Eric Markes and Dylan Tait have hauled in 31 of those 43 scores. Joey Tamayo has taken care of the ball for the Saints but throwing the ball just isn’t what San Dimas does.
Edge: Large to Sierra Canyon
Coaching:
Mark Holman has done a tremendous job taking over for Bill Zernickow. After starting the season 2-2 some were writing off the Saints as a transition year and now they are in the Mid Valley final. Jon Ellinghouse is a proven winner with a state title under his belt so he knows how to prepare his team for post season play. Both are Champion coaches!
Edge: Draw
Home field:
Normally you would give an edge to the home team which in this case is San Dimas. But if you look at it a little deeper, Sierra Canyon has laid the wood to teams on the road with equal efficiency as they have at home.
Edge: Draw
When it comes down to it Sierra Canyon has the overall edge. Not taking anything away from San Dimas because they are a good team and in the post season anything is possible but the Trailblazers are just too rich in talent on the offensive side of the ball. It’s pick your poison on what you take away. Stop the run and Harris will go linear. Play pass coverage and get a steady diet of Bobby Cole. Add in a stingy defense and you have all that you need for the recipe of a championship.
Sierra Canyon 45 San Dimas 24
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