HS FOOT: Five burning questions for playoffs

FIVE BURNING QUESTIONS

1. Does Taft have a good chance to win the City title?

No. The Toreadors, led by a large group of talented players including USC-bound running back D.J. Morgan, Washington-bound defensive lineman Brent Williams and blue-chip junior defensive lineman Antwaun Woods, are as explosive and battle-tested as anyone, but they have two problems: one, they're too inconsistent and mistake-prone, and two, they happen to be in the same tournament as Crenshaw of L.A., a strong favorite that is expected not only to win the title but to secure a CIF State Bowl berth.

2. Any chance Oaks Christian might slip and somehow fail to win its seventh consecutive section title?

No. The Lions are loaded once again with six Division-I bound seniors, including running back Malcolm Jones (UCLA), who has 100 touchdowns and might be the area's best all-around running back since Justin Fargas. The only potential difficult opponent in the Northwest Division is Serra of Gardena, and last year Oaks Christian defeated Serra by 35 points; it just does not make sense that Serra would be that much improved to make a game of it this year.

3. St. Bonaventure is not seeded No. 1 in the Northern Division despite winning the past two section titles and the last two CIF State Div. III titles. Should everyone still be scared of the Seraphs?

Yes. In a field loaded with local programs, including top-seeded Valencia, St. Bonaventure should roll through everyone because of an ultra-tough nonleague schedule that has included victories over traditional large-school powers Long Beach Poly, Crespi of Encino and St. John Bosco of Bellflower. The only loss was a 1-point defeat in overtime at Bishop Amat, a top Pac-5 program.

4. Alemany of Mission Hills and Palmdale have strong football traditions and have been around for more than 50 years, but neither has won a section title? Can one of them do it this year?

Yes. Alemany has a better chance, but both should be in the mix in the traditionally wide-open Western Division. For Alemany to succeed, the offensive line must protect quarterback Vernon Adams and open holes for running back Malcolm Marable, and the defense needs to do a better job against the run because there are some great running backs in the playoffs. Palmdale, led by quarterback/defensive back Joshua Shaw, must avoid a let-down because the through the years the Falcons have often underacheived in the postseason.

5. Harry Welch isn't going to win it all again, is he?

Yes, he is. After winning consecutive Northern Division titles in 2005 and 2006, Welch has done the same at small-schools power St. Margaret's of San Juan Capistrano the past two seasons in the East Valley Division. St. Margaret's is again top-seeded, and no one is going to be able to touch the high-scoring Tartans. What should prove more interesting once the season is over is seeing if Welch tries to return to an upper-division program, perhaps Loyola, where the job is open, or Oaks Christian, if coach Bill Redell, 68, retires.

-- Gerry Gittelson