CCS playoff competition for NorCal regional games

[Cal 14]

So, we have the final pecking order for potential advancement to the NorCal regionals as runner-ups (provided I have the playoff point numbers correct).

1. St. Francis
2. Palma
3. Bellarmine
4. Oak Grove
5. Monte Vista Christian
6. Milpitas
7. Burlingame/Live Oak
9. Monte Vista Christian
10. Valley Christian

D-I: Bellarmine is the prohibitive favorite to win. Milpitas is the heavy favorite to reach the finals.
D-II: St. Francis is a heavy favorite to reach the finals. Valley Christian would be a favorite over Oak Grove in the 2nd round due to their first meeting.
D-III: Palma and Riordan should be a very competitive semifinal. I'm calling Sacred Heart Prep over Live Oak, who should face Monte Vista Christian in the 2nd round. Do not sleep on the Mustangs, who had a lead late against Palma and actually beat Hollister to end the regular season.

Given the above, I'm predicting that the CCS regional teams will be Bellarmine, St. Francis, Riordan, Monte Vista Christian, and Milpitas.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

CCS D1- Bells are big favorite, but Milpitas athletes could give the Bells some trouble but probably not.

D2 - Agree probably an all WCAL final

CCS D3 Open
Luckily Palma will have RB Martinez back this week. He could have played last game but wouldn't have played much anyways as it wasn't a competitive game. Wouldn't give Palma much shot against Riordan without him. With him, it could be a good game. With Martinez, Palma would have soundly defeated MVC in my opinion. MVC will have a tough time stopping SHP passing attack, but SHP may have a tough time with MVC physicality. I think SHP will probably make the finals.

 

[Hatchball]

How is the CCS submitting bids for teams that don't win their Open bracket? Are they going strictly by highest power points of all non-championship teams? Highest power points of non-winning teams in championship games? Committee vote among non-winning teams in championship games?

 

[thehookup55]

Only the runner ups in the 3 open divisions are up for consideration. The selection will be based on in order head to head competition, if none or a tie they will go to competition results among common opponents, if none they will go to power points, if a tie it could come down to a coin toss.

 

[FBAddict]

So, we have the final pecking order for potential advancement to the NorCal regionals as runner-ups (provided I have the playoff point numbers correct).

1. St. Francis
2. Palma
3. Bellarmine
4. Oak Grove
5. Monte Vista Christian
6. Milpitas
7. Burlingame/Live Oak
9. Monte Vista Christian
10. Valley Christian

D-I: Bellarmine is the prohibitive favorite to win. Milpitas is the heavy favorite to reach the finals.
D-II: St. Francis is a heavy favorite to reach the finals. Valley Christian would be a favorite over Oak Grove in the 2nd round due to their first meeting.
D-III: Palma and Riordan should be a very competitive semifinal. I'm calling Sacred Heart Prep over Live Oak, who should face Monte Vista Christian in the 2nd round. Do not sleep on the Mustangs, who had a lead late against Palma and actually beat Hollister to end the regular season.

Given the above, I'm predicting that the CCS regional teams will be Bellarmine, St. Francis, Riordan, Monte Vista Christian, and Milpitas.

Aside from having MVC listed twice, I think you are right about the CCS Powerpoint rankings. They fit in your 9 spot, not 5 spot. This makes the CCS Powerpoint rank order this way:
1. SF
2. Palma
3. BCP
4. OG
5. Milpitas
6/7. Burlingame / LO
8. MVC
9. VC
10. Wilcox

I hadn't thought of the Open DIII runner up team as being the preferred selection. But if Palma, Live Oak, Burlingame or MVC get the runner up spot, they are among the most deserving to be chosen for the CIF bid. All four would end their season with a 11-2 record as a runner up. And if either of the four win the section title, I doubt AR would be chosen as the CCS bid if they were the DIII runner up.

Unless you are assuming in your predictions that VC would not end up as the Opens DII runner up, then Milpitas should not be selected as the CCS bid over VC since there is a head to head comparison favoring VC. VC would trump both Milpitas and Riordan with the H2H rule.

So, it would not be out the question to see BCP, SF and AR as the section champs and see MVC as the first chosen runner up (with a 11-2 record), and VC as the second chosen runner up simply because they bested the other remaining runner up Milpitas.

 

[FBAddict]

Aside from having MVC listed twice, I think you are right about the CCS Powerpoint rankings. They fit in your 9 spot, not 5 spot. This makes the CCS Powerpoint rank order this way:
1. SF
2. Palma
3. BCP
4. OG
5. Milpitas
6/7. Burlingame / LO
8. MVC
9. VC
10. Wilcox

I hadn't thought of the Open DIII runner up team as being the preferred selection. But if Palma, Live Oak, Burlingame or MVC get the runner up spot, they are among the most deserving to be chosen for the CIF bid. All four would end their season with a 11-2 record as a runner up. And if either of the four win the section title, I doubt AR would be chosen as the CCS bid if they were the DIII runner up.

Unless you are assuming in your predictions that VC would not end up as the Opens DII runner up, then Milpitas should not be selected as the CCS bid over VC since there is a head to head comparison favoring VC. VC would trump both Milpitas and Riordan with the H2H rule.

So, it would not be out the question to see BCP, SF and AR as the section champs and see MVC as the first chosen runner up (with a 11-2 record), and VC as the second chosen runner up simply because they bested the other remaining runner up Milpitas.

If BCP ends up as DI runner up, they would trump VC and AR as a runner up selection. But a MVC runner up might trump even BCP as a runner up on the merits of win/loss record. If, however, the strength of schedule (SOS) plays a significant role, then BCP has a major advantage. [I'm sure most CCS proponents clearly understand that CCS power points doesn't necessarily correlate well with SOS.]

 

[thehookup55]

I listed what will determine the runner up selections above. Here it is from CCS website:
Two of the three runner ups of each of the three (3) brackets from the CCS Open Division will be
automatically advanced to the CIF Bowl Game Selection Committee for consideration based on thefollowing criteria, in rank order:
a.Head to Head competition results; if none or a tie,NEXT
b.Competition results among common opponents; if none or a draw, NEXT
c.CCS Football Seeding/At Large Selection Points; if a tie THEN
d.Coin flip.

I think CCS D3 is up to 4 teams Riordan and Palma or MVC and SHP. It would take some upsets to happen in other divisions in order for Riordan or SHP to get selected as a runner up. They pretty much have to win to get in. Palma and MVC would be eligible for the runner up spots. Palma would get selected as long as SF and Bells werent the other two runner ups since SF beat Palma and BCP beat SF. If MVC were to lose to Riordan in the championship game SF, VC, and BCP would get selected over them. Oak Grove would be selected over them as well since they have more points. Of course some upsets could completely change whats expected to happen which could make a lot of scenarios to select the 2 runner ups to advance.

 

[Cal 14]

Aside from having MVC listed twice, I think you are right about the CCS Powerpoint rankings. They fit in your 9 spot, not 5 spot. This makes the CCS Powerpoint rank order this way:
1. SF
2. Palma
3. BCP
4. OG
5. Milpitas
6/7. Burlingame / LO
8. MVC
9. VC
10. Wilcox

I hadn't thought of the Open DIII runner up team as being the preferred selection. But if Palma, Live Oak, Burlingame or MVC get the runner up spot, they are among the most deserving to be chosen for the CIF bid. All four would end their season with a 11-2 record as a runner up. And if either of the four win the section title, I doubt AR would be chosen as the CCS bid if they were the DIII runner up.

Unless you are assuming in your predictions that VC would not end up as the Opens DII runner up, then Milpitas should not be selected as the CCS bid over VC since there is a head to head comparison favoring VC. VC would trump both Milpitas and Riordan with the H2H rule.

So, it would not be out the question to see BCP, SF and AR as the section champs and see MVC as the first chosen runner up (with a 11-2 record), and VC as the second chosen runner up simply because they bested the other remaining runner up Milpitas.

I knew I was missing something when I made my list.

Actually, MVC really is at #5. They are the #2 seed in D-III with 28.83 points, higher than Milpitas at 28.5. Also, the only common opponent between Milpitas and MVC is Salinas (wins for both teams). VC is at 9 and Riordan is 10 for playoff points.

Overall, it's not so much about "worthiness". The CCS had to define the rules for the runner-up selection in the bylaws. Clearly a VC is a better team than, but MVC beats them according to the bylaws. Yes, they do get in over Milpitas with the head-to-head. I think Riordan is too far down the list; they'll have to win the D-III title, in my opinion.

So, revised list:

1. St. Francis
2. Palma
3. Bellarmine
4. Oak Grove*
5. Monte Vista Christian
6. Valley Christian
7. Milpitas
8. Burlingame/Live Oak
10. Riordan

* Although VC had the head-to-head over Oak Grove, the Eagles are still listed higher because they are above MVC. Because they're on the same side of the D-II bracket, it'll all work itself out anyway.

 

[FBAddict]

I knew I was missing something when I made my list.

Actually, MVC really is at #5. They are the #2 seed in D-III with 28.83 points, higher than Milpitas at 28.5. Also, the only common opponent between Milpitas and MVC is Salinas (wins for both teams). VC is at 9 and Riordan is 10 for playoff points.

Yeah, your're right about MVC at the #5 slot. I was using someone else's work for the CCS points but when I counted it up, I see your numbers are right.

As a side note, I have seen Trinity Christian of Cedar Hill play in the past and they were pretty good at that time. I missed that Monte Vista Christian played them this year and beat them.

 

[FBAddict]

I I think CCS D3 is up to 4 teams Riordan and Palma or MVC and SHP. It would take some upsets to happen in other divisions in order for Riordan or SHP to get selected as a runner up. They pretty much have to win to get in. Palma and MVC would be eligible for the runner up spots. Palma would get selected as long as SF and Bells werent the other two runner ups since SF beat Palma and BCP beat SF. If MVC were to lose to Riordan in the championship game SF, VC, and BCP would get selected over them. Oak Grove would be selected over them as well since they have more points. Of course some upsets could completely change whats expected to happen which could make a lot of scenarios to select the 2 runner ups to advance.

Good analysis. I think I see where you are going when you say SF, VC or BCP would be chosen as a runner up over MVC if they lost to Riordan in the final. SF, VC and BCP beat Riordan while MVC, in this scenario, loses to common opponent Riordan.

 

[Streak One]

This is what I found for the CCS bylaws on choosing the last two teams:

Head to head result
Record against common opponents
CCS Playoff points

 

[thedecemberist]

This is what I found for the CCS bylaws on choosing the last two teams:

Head to head result
Record against common opponents
CCS Playoff points

So since Bellarmine beat Saint Francis, Valley and Riordan does this mean that if they make it to the CCS Open Championship and lose, they would go ahead of any of those three if it came down to that choice?

 

[Hatchball]

This is madness! Also with the 13 regional/state bowl games, how do they break up who's in which bracket? Does the committee pick 25 teams (1 Open Auto Qualifier, 24 Play In Game) based on section submissions, then take those teams and rank them 1-24 based on enrollment, then just pair them up top to bottom?

 

[carmelkyd]

I hear that in the socal they are planning on having an Open Division where the winner and the loser of all four semi final games get invited to state play-in games. And up in the norcal they are debating whether they should decide who gets to go to the state championship by putting all the norcal team names in a hat and picking five teams...although the debate seems to be hung up on the question of whether a team with a losing record should be in the hat. I say why not?

When one of the second place teams in CCS goes on to win a state championship, do they have to have a footnote on their banner that says "We won a state championship but we could not win our CCS Division"?

 

[joebl]

I knew I was missing something when I made my list.

Actually, MVC really is at #5. They are the #2 seed in D-III with 28.83 points, higher than Milpitas at 28.5. Also, the only common opponent between Milpitas and MVC is Salinas (wins for both teams). VC is at 9 and Riordan is 10 for playoff points.

Overall, it's not so much about "worthiness". The CCS had to define the rules for the runner-up selection in the bylaws. Clearly a VC is a better team than, but MVC beats them according to the bylaws. Yes, they do get in over Milpitas with the head-to-head. I think Riordan is too far down the list; they'll have to win the D-III title, in my opinion.

So, revised list:

1. St. Francis
2. Palma
3. Bellarmine
4. Oak Grove*
5. Monte Vista Christian
6. Valley Christian
7. Milpitas
8. Burlingame/Live Oak
10. Riordan

* Although VC had the head-to-head over Oak Grove, the Eagles are still listed higher because they are above MVC. Because they're on the same side of the D-II bracket, it'll all work itself out anyway.

In comparison to CalPreps ranking of those 10:
1. Bells
2. SF
3. VC
4. Riordan
5. OG
6. Milpitas
7. Palma
8. MVC
9. Live Oak
10. Burlingame

Notable high ranking teams not on this list: Mitty would lost in at #5, Wilcox, LG, SHP and others would rate above Live Oak/Burlingame. Silly point system from CCS!

 

[thehookup55]

Notable high ranking teams not on this list: Mitty would lost in at #5, Wilcox, LG, SHP and others would rate above Live Oak/Burlingame. Silly point system from CCS!

CCS pretty much only cares about wins. If you win you get points. If you beat league champs you get bonus points. If you beat A league teams you get bonus points. If you beat C league you get zero bonus points. If you lose it means nothing. You could be playing the #1 team in the nation and lose to them on the last play of the game and get nothing, but if you beat teams that come in last place in A leagues you get points. SOS means nothing unless you actually win. I dont mind the power points for determining who gets into the playoffs but I think they need to adjust their seeding to who the top teams are.

 

[joebl]

CCS pretty much only cares about wins. If you win you get points. If you beat league champs you get bonus points. If you beat A league teams you get bonus points. If you beat C league you get zero bonus points. If you lose it means nothing. You could be playing the #1 team in the nation and lose to them on the last play of the game and get nothing, but if you beat teams that come in last place in A leagues you get points. SOS means nothing unless you actually win. I dont mind the power points for determining who gets into the playoffs but I think they need to adjust their seeding to who the top teams are.

Not true. They reward you for playing teams from the CCS A - Leagues. Doesnt matter if you win or lose, just that you play and get 1 pt for A team, 1/2 pt for B league team. The problem there is that playing a team like VC gets you the same amount of points as playing Fremont or Leland with 1 pt for playing any of those teams, and playing a team like Del Oro gets you only a 1/2 pt as they are considered a B division team for CCS Point system.

 

[thehookup55]

You're right I misread it. Seems like CCS will always have something wrong with it. It would be nice if every section got on the same format to make things the same.

 

[FBAddict]

It would be nice if every section got on the same format to make things the same.

Amen - Preach it, Bro!

 

[Cal 14]

So since Bellarmine beat Saint Francis, Valley and Riordan does this mean that if they make it to the CCS Open Championship and lose, they would go ahead of any of those three if it came down to that choice?

Revised list:

1. Bellarmine
2. St. Francis
3. Palma
4. Oak Grove*
5. Monte Vista Christian
6. Valley Christian
7. Milpitas
8. Burlingame/Live Oak
10. Riordan

* Although VC had the head-to-head over Oak Grove, the Eagles are still listed higher because they are above MVC. Because they're on the same side of the D-II bracket, it'll all work itself out anyway.

 

[Cal 14]

In comparison to CalPreps ranking of those 10:
1. Bells
2. SF
3. VC
4. Riordan
5. OG
6. Milpitas
7. Palma
8. MVC
9. Live Oak
10. Burlingame

Notable high ranking teams not on this list: Mitty would lost in at #5, Wilcox, LG, SHP and others would rate above Live Oak/Burlingame. Silly point system from CCS!

I thought it was interesting that the Big VIII league from the SS used Calpreps to determine a tiebreaker for one of the last playoff spots they had.

One thing that Calpreps doesn't have to do that the CCS does is consider the the MBL-Gab, DAL-DA, PAL-B, and STL-MH divisions all on the same level as the WCAL. All of those are A leagues, so they get equal treatment. That said, I wouldn't entirely rule out Los Gatos upsetting VC and/or Oak Grove beating Mitty.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Cal14-- you up for the playoffs to see Salinas? of hanging in socal for the Pac 5 playoffs? Should be some great games in southern CA.

 

[Cal 14]

Cal14-- you up for the playoffs to see Salinas? of hanging in socal for the Pac 5 playoffs? Should be some great games in southern CA.

I'll be up for the Thanksgiving weekend, so I should be able to take in a Friday night 2nd round CCS game. I'll also be back during the weekend of the NorCal regionals. I plan on seeing a game then, too.

In a week of potential blowouts in the SS Pac-5 last week, I saw the Huntington Beach Edison-Rancho Cucamonga game from the West Valley Division (D-II). RC won in a good contest. Not sure if I'll be seeing anything live this weekend (I'll see a game or two online on replay), but I'll be trying again next. If CC and SJB reach the Pac-5 finals, that'll be very difficult to pass up. I live only about 20 minutes away from Anaheim Stadium.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

I would like to see the CC v SJB game if that happens. Will check if it is online. That will be a premiere national type game.

I will probably be at the Palma game Thanksgiving weekend if Riordan comes down to play at Rabobank Salinas (both have to win this weekend of course). Will attend Salinas v Milpitas (if up in Milpitas and of course if Salinas defeats Pally) if the games are on different days (my niece is a Cowboy cheerleader). Probably will have a conflict in schedules though as probably will both be on a Friday night.

 

[Cal 14]

I would like to see the CC v SJB game if that happens. Will check if it is online. That will be a premiere national type game.

I will probably be at the Palma game Thanksgiving weekend if Riordan comes down to play at Rabobank Salinas (both have to win this weekend of course). Will attend Salinas v Milpitas (if up in Milpitas and of course if Salinas defeats Pally) if the games are on different days (my niece is a Cowboy cheerleader). Probably will have a conflict in schedules though as probably will both be on a Friday night.

The CC-SJB game will not likely be online because FoxSports in LA will be covering it live for TV. If you, or someone you know, has the DirecTv sports package, you should be able to see it.

If Salinas is facing Milpitas and Palma plays Riordan both on Friday night, I'll probably go to the Palma game. Salinas got absolutely throttled by the Trojans in their first game and I don't see why something similar won't happen again. Palma-Riordan should be a much more competitive game. Plus, I still haven't seen Rabobank yet.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

The CC-SJB game will not likely be online because FoxSports in LA will be covering it live for TV. If you, or someone you know, has the DirecTv sports package, you should be able to see it.

If Salinas is facing Milpitas and Palma plays Riordan both on Friday night, I'll probably go to the Palma game. Salinas got absolutely throttled by the Trojans in their first game and I don't see why something similar won't happen again. Palma-Riordan should be a much more competitive game. Plus, I still haven't seen Rabobank yet.

I will email you in the norcalpreps system if I am at the game. Rabobank stadium is so much nicer than the Salinas Sports Complex for watching a game. Th tri tip BBQ is pretty good.

 

[Cal 14]

I will email you in the norcalpreps system if I am at the game. Rabobank stadium is so much nicer than the Salinas Sports Complex for watching a game. Th tri tip BBQ is pretty good.

Sounds cool.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Milpitas might give Bells a tough game. They are huge and physical and athletic.

As far as leagues...I think they should go back to giving the WCAL teams at least 1.25 (or 1.5 as was) weighting as an A+ league. Will impact seedings a little and may be a little more representative of strength.

 

[Cal 14]

Milpitas might give Bells a tough game. They are huge and physical and athletic.

As far as leagues...I think they should go back to giving the WCAL teams at least 1.25 (or 1.5 as was) weighting as an A+ league. Will impact seedings a little and may be a little more representative of strength.

I agree about Milpitas and have said this a couple of times on the National board. I don't think they'll end up staying within 10, but they won't lose 35-0.

I'm not so sure I'd give the WCAL any more benefits than it already gets. The lower seeds they have may do just fine. If they don't, oh, well.

 

[Cal 14]

Revised list:

1. Bellarmine
2. St. Francis
3. Palma
4. Oak Grove*
5. Monte Vista Christian
6. Valley Christian
7. Milpitas
8. Burlingame/Live Oak
10. Riordan

* Although VC had the head-to-head over Oak Grove, the Eagles are still listed higher because they are above MVC. Because they're on the same side of the D-II bracket, it'll all work itself out anyway.

After round 1, updated list:
1. Bellarmine
2. St. Francis
3. Palma
4. Oak Grove*
5. Monte Vista Christian
6. Valley Christian
7. Milpitas
8. Riordan
9. Wilcox
10. Sacred Heart Prep

* Although VC had the head-to-head over Oak Grove, the Eagles are still listed higher because they are above MVC. Because they're on the same side of the D-II bracket, it'll all work itself out anyway.

 

[FBAddict]

After round 1, updated list:
1. Bellarmine
2. St. Francis
3. Palma
4. Oak Grove*
5. Monte Vista Christian
6. Valley Christian
7. Milpitas
8. Riordan
9. Wilcox
10. Sacred Heart Prep

You have three optional teams for each Open division except for Open DIII which you have 4 teams. Although, I have a good guess, why do you have all 4 teams in this list from DIII?

Necessarily, we will have 6 teams on this list come Friday night sometime after 9PM. And depending on the teams remaining, we will have a good idea of who will go to the regional games.

 

[Cal 14]

You have three optional teams for each Open division except for Open DIII which you have 4 teams. Although, I have a good guess, why do you have all 4 teams in this list from DIII?

Necessarily, we will have 6 teams on this list come Friday night sometime after 9PM. And depending on the teams remaining, we will have a good idea of who will go to the regional games.

Because each stacks differently against the other potential candidates. Plus, 10 is just a good number of teams to list.

You are correct, though, the list will be pared down tremendously after this weekend.

My predictions for the finals (winner):

D-I: Bellarmine vs. Milpitas (Bells)
D-II: St. Francis vs. Valley Christian (Lancers)
D-III: Palma vs. Monte Vista Christian (Palma)*

Just last week, I would have said Riordan, but I watched them against Burlingame. Truly uninspired effort. If they play like that against Palma, they will lose by double-digits.

 

[FBAddict]

Just last week, I would have said Riordan, but I watched them against Burlingame. Truly uninspired effort. If they play like that against Palma, they will lose by double-digits.

I agree about Riordan being lackluster in the Burlingame game. They have come to the end of their road unless they play like they have something to prove as in their games with BCP, SF or Serra. And even so, Palma's passion will be high to win this game to get a shot at state. So even with with best efforts, this game can't be easily predicted.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Palma will need to play better defense than against Aragon.

 

[Cal 14]

Palma will need to play better defense than against Aragon.

I hope the Californian points out just how close they are from a state regional game. Barring a miracle result in D-I, if they beat Riordan, they're advancing.

 

[1tunz1]

I hope the Californian points out just how close they are from a state regional game. Barring a miracle result in D-I, if they beat Riordan, they're advancing.

I'm glad Palma finally gets a fair chance to represent Norcal in Regionals and State. They've been screwed ever since State games started and have fielded some really great teams. I used to watch their series a few years ago with CN, and regardless of talent level, they always come to play football, are well-coached, and don't disappoint. Have always been impressed with their program. One of the best HS games I ever saw was that 2008 matchup with CN. Palma QB David Fales was so, so good, against QB Randy Wright, and RB's Badger, and Ferguson. Game came down to final play. My "secret" wish this year is to have CC lose, CN win NCS, and get a Palma/CN Open Regional game.

 

[thehookup55]

Palma has to get past Riordan. Im sure they all know how how close they are. I think the only year they would have actually gone to state would have been 06. They were the favorites to win the Open divison and got upset by Palo Alto in 3 OT. Palo Alto went on to win the open and then got demolished by Orange Lutheren at State. Without a doubt they have been good enough to compete at state. I think they are one of the better small school programs in the whole state. with the old open division it would have been really tough for them to get close. Plus if they had won they would have been competing in D1 at the state level.

That 08 game between Palma and CN was epic. I agree about it being one of the best HS football games. Palma had QB David Fales, RB Justin Olivarria and WR Brett Chernetsky. Badger was a stud on both sides of the ball. Came down to extra points. Palma didnt have a good kicker. After the game they brought up a Soph kicker and he didnt miss a single extra point all year. That was Palmas first game against another top small school program. I would love to see CN and Palma matchup in the Small Open.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

I went to all the Cardinal Newman versus Palma series. The first game was a classic. Among the best games I have ever seen and a nail biter. Both had talented teams/

The series went: Palma versus Cardinal Newman Series (2-1-1)

2008 Cardinal Newman W 34-33 – QBs Palma David Fales (SJSU, backup QB Chicago Bears) and Randy Wright (UC Davis)- a classic back and forth game at the end with Newman pulling it in the last seconds with a hail Mary to the back of the endzone after QB wright avoids a sack.

2009 Palma W 17 -7

2010 Palma 31-7

2011 Palma and Cardinal Newman Tie 10-10

A series in a bowl play-in would be great. Both teams seem to have lots of weapons this year. I would also like to see Palma play Marin Catholic which would be a first. Also any of these teams against Central Catholic would be great to see.

Riordan in those matchups (even though I am a Palma alumni) would be fun to see as well. I know this seems to discount SHP and Monte Vista Christian, but don't mean to. I think SHP has the offense to compete and could pull an upset in a CCS final if they can stop the Riordan or Palma rushing attack or have to outscore them in a shootout, but not the defense. Monte Vista Christian is physical on the line, especially defense, but probably not going to outscore the others in shootout. They will have to win with smashmouth and ball control although their QB and receivers will keep a team honest. MVC is a sound team.

In any event, I think this division has plenty of good teams including ones not mentioned.

 

[aztecpadre]

Because each stacks differently against the other potential candidates. Plus, 10 is just a good number of teams to list.

You are correct, though, the list will be pared down tremendously after this weekend.

My predictions for the finals (winner):

D-I: Bellarmine vs. Milpitas (Bells)
D-II: St. Francis vs. Valley Christian (Lancers)
D-III: Palma vs. Monte Vista Christian (Palma)*

Just last week, I would have said Riordan, but I watched them against Burlingame. Truly uninspired effort. If they play like that against Palma, they will lose by double-digits.

How dare you pick the Lancers?

 

[Cal 14]

How dare you pick the Lancers?

Sorry, my friend. I don't troll for the sake of trolling like some of our Georgia friends on the national board. I call 'em as I see 'em. That said, if the Warriors can get past a solid Oak Grove team this week, they're also in a good spot for a NorCal regional game.