Friday
Sierra Canyon-Corona Del Mar: Corona del Mar’s Chase Garbers (Cal commit) is the best quarterback Sierra Canyon has faced in recent years. 6-4 WR Tae Le could give Sierra Canyon flashbacks of San Marino’s JP Shohfi, who made the Trailblazers miserable in last year’s state regional final. It’s hard to bet against Sierra Canyon’s offensive line wearing teams down and I expect a big night for Bobby Cole to keep the ball away from Garbers but I will take Corona del Mar unless Sierra Canyon’s secondary proves me wrong.
Paraclete-Los Altos: Paraclete’s defense did a strong job shutting down Lawndale RB Jordan Wilmore, holding him to 50 yards. Now they have to do it again with Los Altos’ Tyler Nevens, who has nearly 2,200 yards. Los Altos is unbeaten and has had a great year but I’m taking Paraclete because that defense is battle tested having faced two high-powered offenses in Oaks Christian and Sierra Canyon. Plus, the coaching matchup favors Dean Herrington, who could enjoy sweet redemption Friday.
Burbank-Yorba Linda: When I saw Burbank, the attitude was about fun. They have fun, they stay loose and then turn on the defense, which has had 49 turnovers. Yorba Linda has a balanced offense and Noah Lines has been a beast for them defensively, but I’m taking Burbank for the obvious cliche. Defense wins championships and although neither team has been in this spot before, I’m trusting the side that has more turnovers to feed their offense.
Saturday
Calabasas-Capistrano Valley: I won’t waste time here. Calabasas is the safest bet of any of our six teams to win a CIF title. The bigger question is who will the Coyotes play in the state regional. Narbonne? Murrieta Valley? We’ll find out Sunday. Til then, enjoy a second straight title.
Reseda-Franklin: Franklin has one job. Do not throw the ball near Reseda’s Ja’lani Elison because the junior will likely add to his state lead of 15 interceptions. Reseda is battle-tested from facing Canoga Park, San Fernando and Sylmar and they also have an experienced offensive line. I’m taking Reseda to party like it’s 1995, the last time it won a City title.
Quartz Hill-Valley View: Here’s what you need to know. Kickoff temperature will be 45 degrees at Quartz Hill. That weather will be a 12th man on the field for the Rebels. Throw in Manny Thomas being a bruising running back to match Valley View’s Justin Keeling and it could be a cold, physical game which favors Quartz Hill. That’s my pick.
