MidValleySports.Com

While Downey is preparing to battle Cajon in the second round of the Division 4 playoffs, former Downey star Emari Demercado is playing running back for the Houston Texans. Demercado is shown here against the Chargers Sunday at SoFi Stadium. (Photo by Duane Barker).

All kickoffs are at 7:00 unless otherwise indicated:

Friday November 13

DIV 3

La Serna (10-1) at San Jacinto (10-1)

La Serna had a big win over Valencia in the first round. Now the Lancers hit the road for San Jacinto. The Lancers and head coach Andy George are experienced in the post season. They just know who to win. La Serna advances.

La Serna 31 San Jacinto 24

DIV 4

Downey (7-4) at Cajon (8-3)

This is a rematch from the CIF Division 4 championship game on December 3, 2017. Cajon quarterback Jayden Daniels, the current quarterback for the Washington Commanders, racked up 518 yards of total offense and accounted for eight touchdowns in a 54-28 win at Downey. The Vikings beat Newbury Park in the first-round last week while Cajon took care of Victor Valley. Damani Porras has had a good season for Downey with 558 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. Max Acosta anchors the ground attack with 850 yards rushing. Cajon’s Marcus Washington has done it all throwing for 2,464 yards and ran for 1,066. The Cowboys are solid but they don’t have Jayden Daniels and this isn’t 2017. Downey gets it done.

Downey 27 Cajon 20

DIV 5

Charter Oak (10-1) at Agoura (10-1)

Charter Oak outscored Vista del Lago 42-35 in the first round. The Chargers may need to come up big offensively again to hold off Agoura. Agoura, also named the Chargers, have played a tough schedule and are coming off of an impressive 35-10 win over Torrance. Charter Oak’s offense can bang with anybody but Agoura can pound the ball and has rushed for over 2,000 yards led by George Hastings who has 1,014 yards and 10 touchdowns. This one will go down to the wire. Agoura gets the win at home.

Agoura 27 Charter Oak 24

DIV 6

Santa Barbara (8-3) at Baldwin Park (10-1)

Baldwin Park has had a great year. The Braves have won 10 straight games after losing the opener to La Serna. Quarterback Lequand “Jack Jack” Jackson and running back Jacory Coleman are special. Santa Barbara is 8-3 but has played a tough schedule. The teams have a common opponent in Ventura. Baldwin Park beat Ventura 35-34 last week while Santa Barbara lost to the Cougars 24-21 in October. It will come down to who makes the plays down the stretch. Santa Barbara escapes with the win.

Santa Barbara 31 Baldwin Park 27

DIV 8

El Rancho (9-2) at Rio Hondo Prep (8-3)

This could be the best game of the weekend with two local teams that have had solid seasons doing battle. El Rancho comes in at 9-2 while Rio Hondo Prep is 8-3. The Kares rolled over Harvard-Westlake last week while the Dons beat Canyon by a touchdown. El Rancho has a balanced offense – the Dons have run the ball for 2,020 yards and thrown for 1,934. Adrian Lopez has 1,908 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. The Kares prefer to pound it with Christian Lee and Matt Montez. The two have combined for 2,173 yards and 30 touchdowns. Montez has ran for 1,315 yards. El Rancho might come up with a couple of quick strikes to keep pace but the Kares should be able to control the tempo and the clock by keeping it on the ground. Rio Hondo Prep grinds out a win.

Rio Hondo Prep 24 El Rancho 21

DIV 9

Compton (10-1) at San Marino (10-1)

San Marino won its first nine games before falling from the ranks of the unbeaten with a close loss to South Pasadena. The Titans surprised everybody in the area this year and continued to raise eyebrows with an impressive win on the road last week over Colton. Seniors Parker Wilson and Chase Mena have had remarkable seasons. Wilson has thrown for over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns and Mena has hauled in 22 receptions for 537 yards and seven scores. Compton’s only loss came at the hands of Woodrow Wilson back in September. It won’t be easy but San Marino should be able to score on Compton. In the end the Titans offense will be too much. San Marino moves on.

San Marino 34 Compton 20

DIV 10

Nogales (11-0) at Norte Vista (6-5)

Nogales continues to roll with a 49-27 win over Royal in the first round. JoJo Venegas, Gatsbee Gumban and the offense are a nightmare for defensive coordinators. The Nobles have their sights set on a CIF title. They’ll be fine in this one. Nogales advances to the Semis.

Nogales 35 Norte Vista 14

DIV 11

Schurr (5-6) at Crescenta Valley (7-4)

Schurr had some struggles early but the Spartans won their last two regular games to make the playoffs and last week they won a defensive battle over Westminster 14-7. Crescenta Valley has won four straight including a hard fought 15-3 victory over Canyon Springs in the first round. The Falcons have the momentum now and should have enough to keep it going into the third round. CV comes out on top.

Crescenta Valley 24 Schurr 13

Quick Hits

DIV 1

Mission Viejo at Sierra Canyon – Sierra Canyon

DIV 4

Cathedral at La Habra – La Habra

DIV 5

Muir at Mary Star – Mary Star

DIV 6

Calabasas at St. Francis – St. Francis

DIV 9

West Covina at Ocean View – West Covina

DIV 10

South Hills at Desert Hot Springs – Desert Hot Springs

DIV 13

University at Montebello – University

Whittier Christian at Whittier – Whittier

DIV 14

Bassett at Hamilton – Bassett

Hoover at Santa Ana Valley – Hoover