Same drill as the other two leagues. In-depth first-round predictions here, then a quick prediction for the rest of the bracket.
Arrowhead Christian at No. 2 Brentwood
Just getting to the playoffs is huge for the Eagles, as Wayne Cochrun was faced with a heck of a rebuilding project when he arrived at ACA three years ago. This is definitely a huge step for the program. Unfortunately, its the only step. Brentwood is quite good, they’ll be at home and it’s where O.J. Simpson used to live. Ok, that last point is irrelevant, but my prediction isn’t.
Brentwood 38, Arrowhead Christian 13
Kern Valley at No. 3 Aquinas
I really don’t see how Aquinas loses this game. The Falcons have been something to behold this year, with the QB-WR combo of Tyler Stirewalt and Jim Jones really giving them a shot in the arm. Kern Valley is going to need a lot more than a shot in the arm to hang with this Aquinas team.
Aquinas 42, Kern Valley 17
Big Bear at No. 4 Santa Paula
It’s hard to get a read on the Bears. They definitely have the pedigree to make a run in the playoffs, with a CIF title two years ago and a narrow loss to Citrus Hill last year, but due to injuries and inconsistency, haven’t quite been able to get in full stride. Since they lost last week, I think Big Bear is capable of upsetting Santa Paula.
Big Bear 24, Santa Paula 21
Ontario Christian at Pasadena Maranatha
Two of the bigger names in this division take the stage tonight. It’s been a struggle for the Knights, who have had plenty of growing pains in the transition to the spread offense. While Ontario Christian, with QB Andrew Lachelt, should be awesome next year, it hasn’t been all that this year. And won’t tonight.
Maranatha 26, Ontario Christian 16
Huntington Beach Brethren Christian at Twentynine Palms
Everyone wants Twentynine Palms to win this, just to set up a great quarterfinal game with Aquinas. Ok, maybe not everyone, but that game certainly would be easy for County football fans to get up for. Brethren Christian is 4-6, but did beat ACA in the regular season. However, the Wildcats are better than ACA. Get the hype going, as 29 and Aquinas are on a collison course.
Twentynine Palms 34, Brethren Christian 12
Yucca Valley at Bishop
It’s been a fun year for the Trojans, who surprisingly emerged from near the bottom of the De Anza League to grab second place and a playoff berth. Now, they’ll have a fun trip to Bishop. To be honest, I have no idea what roads you would take for that. If Yucca gets there, it should be all set for a good, solid game, though I’ll take a more playoff-tested Bishop squad.
Bishop 20, Yucca Valley 15
Other games of note:
No. 1 St. Margaret’s 43, North Hollywood Campbell Hall 14
Fillmore 24, Desert 20
Quarterfinals
No. 1 St. Margaret’s over Bishop
Maranatha over Big Bear
No. 2 Brentwood over Fillmore
No. 3 Aquinas over Twentynine Palms
Semifinals
No. 1 St. Margaret’s over Maranatha
No. 3 Aquinas over No. 2 Brentwood
Final
No. 1 St. Margaret’s over No. 3 Aquinas