HS FOOT: Forget polls & seedings, St. Bonnie is a favorite

After losing a nonleague football game to Bishop Amat of La Puente in early October, St. Bonaventure of Ventura (11-1) could never make it back to being the top seed in the Northern Division, as Westlake (12-0) and Valencia (12-0) have remained undefeated heading into the semifinals this weekend.

But it's hard not to consider St. Bonaventure the division favorite considering the Seraphs have won the past two Northern championships, along with the past two CIF State Div. III Bowl titles. Overall, they've won eight section titles over the past 10 years and have won 21 of 22 playoff games since a loss to Westlake in the 2003 Div. IV championship.

This season, St. Bonaventure has defeated Long Beach Poly, Crespi of Encino, Long Beach Jordan and St. John Bosco -- all participants in the Pac-5, the Southern Section's highest division.

St. Bonaventure and Westlake, the last opponent to defeat the Seraphs in the playoffs, meet again Friday at Westlake, and an overflow crowd is expected. The championship game is Dec. 11.

"Westlake is a very dangerous team. It's going to be a challenge," St. Bonaventure coach Todd Therrien said. "They play hard on defense, and they're explosive on offense."

Said Westlake kicker Alex Ball: "I think it's going to be a really good game. We're lucky to be here, and we have to prepare ourselves to do our best. St. Bonaventure is a good team, but we've got good players too. I think we can win if we perform."

-- Gerry Gittelson