HS FOOT: Here's why Oaks Christian was hoping St. Bonnie would have beat LB Poly

You can bet Oaks Christian is a bit bummed St. Bonaventure lost to Long Beach Poly 12-7 on Friday, as the richocet effect of the defeat might eventually cost Oaks Christian a state bowl berth in Div. III.

Here's the logic:

St. Bonaventure already has defeated Crespi, and a win over Long Beach Poly -- considered a state favorite in Div. I -- combined with St. Bonaventure winning the rest of its coming games (probably will happen) would have made St. Bonaventure a strong candidate to represent the South in the new, highest "open" division of the bowl series, a step higher than being named the Div. III representative.

Being chosen for the "open" division is an anointment that goes to the best team, regardless of division, and St. Bonaventure might have fit into that categroy -- and left a spot in Div. III for Oaks Christian, assuming the Lions can win a sixth consecutive section title (probably will happen, too).

Now, if St. Bonaventure wins out and takes the Northern Division championship, and Oaks Christian, playing less worthy nonleague and playoff opponents, wins the lesser Northwest Division, the nod in Div. III probably would probably go to St. Bonaventure over the Lions.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com