Week 3 High School football picks: No. 1 and done?
I somehow managed to go 8-1 last week, so prepare for my winning percentage to dip precipitously.
Lets see if a No. 1 team can hold on to the top spot for more than one week.
No. 1 Los Osos (2-0) at No. 5 Norco (1-1)
We're lucky a non-league game of this magnitude takes place during the regular season. This is a classic matchup of Los Osos' high-octane offense and Norco's stingy defense. I'm taking the defense. Adding fuel to the fire is Norco's desire to avange its last-minute 10-7 loss to Leuzinger last week. The Norco offense will pound away at a Los Osos defense that is yet to prove itself, making the Grizzlies the third No. 1 team to fall in as many weeks.
Norco 31, Los Osos 27
No. 9 Alta Loma (2-1) at No. 4 Colony (2-0)
This is another matchup with plenty of contrast, pitting Colony's speed against Alta Loma's size. I don't think the overachieving Braves can contend with Colony's athleticism. QB Jeff Ginolfi and RB Daniel Simmons are turning into a dynamic duo for defending CIF champ Colony.
Colony 28, Alta Loma 17
Bishop Amat (0-3) at No. 10 Rancho Cucamomga (1-1)
Even though Bishop Amat is winless, this would be a statement win for Rancho (Bishop Amat's losses have come to teams that are a combined 7-0). The Cougars and 14-year-old QB Greg Watson, however, have much to prove. I think this week they'll discover they still have some growing up to do.
Bishop Amat 27, Rancho Cucamonga 21
No. 7 San Dimas (3-0) at Ontario (2-1)
San Dimas dropped a close one to Mt. Baldy League opponent, Montclair, last season. Ontario will step in to pull the upset this season. San Dimas running back Nico Barbone will continue his tear, but Ontario and wily QB Robert Robles will find a way to pull this one out.
Ontario 24, San Dimas 21
Etiwanda (1-2) at Carter (0-2)
In a battle of underachievers, Carter will underachieve less. These two seemingly talented teams are a perfect matchup for each other. Maybe a win here will jumpstart one of these team's seasons.
Carter 20, Etiwanda 14
Kaiser (0-2) at Cajon (0-3)
Neither of these teams has exactly played a soft schedule thus far. Kaiser's, however, is the stronger of the two. Although their both eager for their first win, the Cats will want it more.
Kaiser 24, Cajon 13
Damien (2-1) at Los Altos (2-0)
Los Altos hasn't been tested yet. Damien is the perfect team to sneak up on them and deliver Los Altos its first loss of the season. The Spartans will win a close one.
Damien 28, Los Altos 27
Claremont (0-2) at South Hills (0-2)
Claremont won't be able to recover from an emotional loss to rival Damien last week. South Hills will be able to take advantage of the drained Wolfpack.
South Hills 21, Claremont 14
SATURDAY
Upland (1-1) at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman (3-0)
Upland will avenge a blowout loss last week and the lengthy trip to Las Vegas by taking down Bishop Gorman. The Scots will beat the odds, if you will, in a close one.
Upland 20, Bishop Gorman 17