Here we go . . . my projected Friday night winners in the eight Pac-5 football first-round playoff games, starting with the ...
UPPER BRACKET
No. 1 seed Edison (10-0) vs. Millikan (6-4), Orange Coast College:
Frank Says: The Chargers have been the best team in this division all season -- wins over Pac-5 playoff teams Wilson, Dana Hills, Servite, Mater Dei, Newport Harbor, Los Alamitos and Fountain Valley point to that. It's been a sweet season for the Rams but it ends with this one. Chargers 35, Rams 14.
No. 8 Dana Hills (8-2) vs. Orange Lutheran (6-4):
Frank Says: Most of my O.C. buddies are picking the Dolphins in this one. Orange Lutheran has been injury-plagued most of the season. But I think the Lancers' season ends next Friday night vs. Edison. Lancers 27, Dolphins 21.
No. 5 Bishop Amat (9-1) vs. Mater Dei (6-4):
Frank Says: The Lancers (there are three versions of the Lancers in this field, by the way) handled Notre Dame last week to bag a share of the Serra League title and earn the league's top seed. I'm mildly surprised they weren't the No. 4 seed over Lakewood (based on wins over Notre Dame and St. Bonaventure). But I think the Monarchs are playing very well right and, remember, were the only team in position to beat Edison this season. Monarchs 24, Lancers 21.
No. 4 Lakewood (9-1) vs. Newport Harbor (6-4):
Frank Says: The Sailors got the one at-large bid to the field. But any hopes of stunning the Lancers are probably out the window now that their junior running back, Cedric Whitaker, is apparently sidelined with a knee injury. Unless the Lancers aren't focused, Coach Thadd MacNeal's team should breeze into the second round. Lancers 35, Sailors 13.
Lakewood 49, Newport Harbor 21
Edison 55, Millikan 7
Bishop Amat 24, Mater Dei 21
Orange Lutheran 38, Dana Hills 31
If the Sailors have to play without their star running back, Whitaker, the score will be something like 35-7, Lakewood.