Here are some CIF Southern Section football predictions to chew on, 24 hours before diving into your turkey . . .
FRIDAY NIGHT
PAC-5
UPPER BRACKET
Poly (10-1) at Newport Harbor (8-3)
FRANK SAYS: This is a rematch of a game won, at the same location, by the Jackrabbits (34-7) on Sept. 14. Both teams have improved quite a bit since then. And, yes, I know that Edison spanked the Sailor, 47-0, in their Sunset League finale. Barring an obscene number of Poly turnovers and a total lack of focus on Raul Lara’s team’s part, this one shouldn’t be too close.
PREDICTION: Poly 40-7
Orange Lutheran (9-1) vs. Edison (8-3) at Orange Coast College
FRANK SAYS: This is going to be a defensive struggle. And, although the Lancers are the favorites in some circles (not here) to repeat as Pac-5 champions, I think the Chargers are the team that a lot of people are sleeping on in this division. Their quarterback, Nick Crissman, will be the difference, offensively.
PREDICTION: Edison 21-17
LOWER BRACKET
Servite (8-2) vs. Esperanza (10-1) at Cal State Fullerton
FRANK SAYS: I covered the Lakewood-Esperanza game last week. The Aztecs block well and execute their offense expertedly (Sean McDonald is a pretty slick QB). But they don’t have the breakaway speed in the backfield to fully capitalize on their blocking/scheme. Servite should slow down their running game just enough and the presence of D.J. Shoemate will, as usually is the case, be the difference.
PREDICTION: Servite 27-17
Crespi (9-2) vs. Mater Dei (9-1) at Santa Ana Stadium
FRANK SAYS: Fox Sports is televising this one, and it will be televising Mater Dei’s semifinal Trinity League rematch with Servite next Friday night, as well. And I guess that tells you how I think this game is going to turn out, eh? LOL.
PREDICTION: Mater Dei 38-20.
OTHER DIVISIONS
WESTERN
Dominguez over Alemany, 38-21
Palos Verdes over Gahr, 35-17
Culver City over St. Paul, 28-21
MID-VALLEY
Blair over Valley Christian, 24-14
NORTHWEST
Nordhoff over Centennial, 27-14
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