Prep Bowl Game predictions

Today will mark the first time in more than 70 years that high school football teams from across the state will meet in a California Bowl Game format.

It is an event that -- in one reporter's mind, at least -- has been long overdue.

There are some scheduling kinks that the CIF must fix for next season, namely the idea of matching up teams from three separate divisions based on enrollment. But with that said, every one of today's games is worth watching, and every team involved brings an impressive resume to the table.

More than 10,000 fans are expected to be in attendance at the Home Depot Center, and countless others will be watching from home on Fox Sports Net.

But if there is anybody else out there, who -- like me -- just can't wait for the festivities to begin, here are some predictions:

Div. III final, 11 a.m.
Oaks Christian (14-0) vs. Cardinal Newman (13-1), 11 a.m.

Oaks Christian 60,
Cardinal Newman 13

Oaks Christian of Westlake Village is just too good. The Lions feature the No. 1 recruit in the nation in Notre Dame-bound quarterback Jimmy Clausen, as well as 11 other seniors who are expected to sign NCAA Division I offers before next season.

The Lions average 55 points per game, while pulling most of their starters before the fourth quarter because coach Bill Redell refrains from running up the score. Even without USC-bound running back Marc Tyler (broken fibula), the Oaks Christian offense is one of the most potent in state history.

Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa's defense gives up just more than 10 points per game, but it hasn't faced anybody as good as Oaks Christian. The Cardinals will need to play lights out on both sides of the ball to have a chance, which is a lot easier said than done.

Div. II final, 3 p.m.
Orange Lutheran (13-1) vs. Palo Alto (12-1)

Orange Lutheran 35,
Palo Alto 20

Orange Lutheran quarterback Aaron Corp has been the difference maker all season for the Lancers, and don't expect him to fold on the brightest of all high school stages this afternoon.

The USC-bound play caller can beat you with his arm and with his legs, which is evident by the 2,000-plus yards he has through the air and the 1,000-plus yards he has on the ground this season.

Palo Alto is a formidable opponent, but Orange Lutheran made a major statement on Dec. 1 with a 23-22 victory over Long Beach Poly in the Pac-5 Division quarterfinals. Poly has sent more players to the NFL than any other high school program, and this year's team was one of its best in years.

Orange Lutheran is a battle-tested team from the ultra-competitive Pac-5 Division, which is something that usually pays dividends at this time of year.

Div. I final, 7:30 p.m.
De La Salle (13-0) vs. Canyon (11-2)

Canyon 28,
De La Salle 24

De La Salle of Concord is the No. 1-ranked team in the nation by USA Today, but Canyon of Canyon Country won't just roll over here.

The Cowboys have arguably played the toughest schedule in the state this season, and they have won 10 games in a row after starting off 1-2.

This game figures to be the most competitive of the bunch, with De La Salle likely jumping out to a halftime lead. But Canyon came from behind against Moorpark in the final minute last week to win the Northern Division title, and expect them to make another second-half push tonight.

Canyon coach Harry Welch is a true gunslinger, going for first downs on fourth-and-short situations countless times this season. Welch will be the difference maker tonight, as the Cowboys win in another thriller.

--Kevin Connelly