Cif-SS Round One Predictions.
With the 2022-2023 California High School football regular season being over, the Southern Sections playoff brackets have come out. At the blog today, we will preview what we see as the most interesting matchups.
By Theo Dowling
Warren (9-1) @ Sierra Canyon (6-4)
Common Opponent: Serra. Warren Lost 16-13 and Sierra Canyon won 35-21
By far and away the most intriguing matchup of the week will be division twos Warren (9 seed) from Downey led by five star recruit Nico Iamaleava (Sr.) going into Sierra Canyon (8 Seed) who have an array of division one talent. Sierra Canyon, after struggling early, met rock bottom after losing to Bishop Amat in double overtime. The Blazers were 2-4 and had a qb problem proving that the mission league might be too much of a step up in competition compared to the Gold Coast league they dominated for years. Out of nowhere the Blazers rattled off 4 straight upsetting at the time undefeated Chaminade to become Mission league champs led by running back Dane Dune (So.) who had 11 touchdowns and 490 yards in the final four games alone. Warren on the other hand ran through the gateway league, going (5-0) in league, with their one out of league loss being to Serra who Sierra Canyon beat and the winner will probably play at Serra after this game.
Keys to Success: In this matchup Warren has to have an effective passing game to have a shot in the game. Iamaleava has to be able to stand in and deliver throws to his two outside playmakers, especially recent returner Jordan Ross (Jr.). On the other hand Sierra Canyon has to dominate upfront and create lanes for Dune to exploit, and must keep the game within striking distance the entire time.
Prediction: Sierra Canyon 24- Warren 13 Sierra Canyon is just way too big upfront for Warren to stick with them. Warren might catch Canyon deep with some plays on the outside but overall I think this will be a comfortable win for Sierra Canyon. Warren’s one save in grace would be to mount a large lead and to force the Blazers starting quarterback Alonzo Esperaza (So. and Culver City Transfer) to lead Sierra Canyon by passing.
Lawndale (6-4) @ Loyola (5-5)
Common Opponent: Cathedral. Loyola Lost 21-3 and Lawndale lost 39-10
This game pits Loyola, the five seed, led by a two headed monster of a rushing attack against Lawndale, the twelve seed who has a running back of their own. Lawndale took what seems like a step back this year as they didn’t run through the pioneers like we’ve become accustomed to. They beat the number 14 seed in this bracket, North Torrance by 1 proving this league is becoming closer as the years tick by. Nonetheless Lawndale finished as the sole victors of the Pioneer league but they only picked up one win out of league this season defeating lowly Arcadia handly. Loyola though has been great down the stretch, obtaining a shared Angelus league title after beating St. Francis by one after their failed two point attempt. Loyola’s Running Back Jon Batitusta (Sr.) went off in that game having 167 yards and a touchdown.
Keys to Success: In this game, both teams have to try to control possession and to shut down each other's run game. I will say Loyola seems to have a slight size advantage up front but that hasn’t slowed down Lawndale in previous games.
Prediction: Lawndale 17 - Loyola 14
Lawndale is young but have been in playoff games before, if they’re run game works, they will win this football game. Loyola’s offensive weapons are all in their first playoff game, Lawndale seems due for an upset, and I’m rolling with them. Lawndale will control this game from the outset and Loyola might have a late touchdown but the Cardinals will reign supreme and might match up with former Ocean league rival Culver City in the quarterfinals.
Mira Costa (8-2) @ Newbury Park (8-2)
Common Opponent: None;
In this division four affair, the seven seed Newbury Park Panthers come into it as big favorites, led by their new freshman phenomen, Brady Smigiel (Fr.). Smigiel has been on many Los Angeles and Ventura websites as a top performer, and he tenders an offer from Florida State. These two teams lack contrasting offensive styles as the number ten seed Mira Costa Mustang offense has been electric since the outset of this season. Led by their two main men on the outside, Cole Crotty (Sr.) and Reese Leonard (Jr.), The Mustangs have had over 250 passing yards in six of their ten games this season.
Keys to Success: Time management will be key, and starting slow won’t be an option for either team, Costa has to be ready to go off of their long bus ride to Ventura. Not giving each other beneficial field position will be a big thing and if one team does make a mistake, you have to capitalize.
Prediction: Mira Costa 28 Newbury Park 45
Mira Costa’s team had made a playoff run last year, and they returned a lot of players. The pressure might get to Smigil as this will be his first playoff game but I'm still riding with the Panthers. Their offensive output this season has been remarkable and Mustang defense has not dealt with the pass well. In addition to that, it seems like Costa’s main man, Cole Crotty (Sr.), is going to be out with an ACL injury, we wish him a speedy recovery but, I don’t think Costa’s backups are going to be ready to fill that production on offense and ready to cover these route runners from Newbury out wide on defense.
Comments
Post a Comment