OCVarsity’s preview of the CIF-SS football playoff game Saturday.
CIF-SS FOOTBALL PLAYOFF GAME
SOUTHERN DIVISION
Canyon (6-5) vs. Katella (11-0)
Where, when: El Modena HS, 7 p.m.
Outlook: The remarkable season for Katella continues after its 49-15 first-round victory over Los Amigos last week. The Knights showed great balance in the game. Quarterback Joseph Vasquez passed for 120 yards and three touchdowns. Francisco Pineda, the Knights’ leading rusher with 1,216 yards, gained 144 yards on 13 carries with three touchdowns. The Comanches, who might be the most dangerous at-large team in the playoffs, pounded Calvary Chapel, 54-15, in the first round. It will be interesting to see how Katella’s defense matches up against Canyon’s offense. Katella is allowing 11.6 points a game. Canyon quarterback Jason Harman leads an offense that has several big-play weapons, including receiver Trace Hobbs. Senior linebacker Christian Ariaza leads Canyon’s defense in sacks (eight).
Prediction: Canyon
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
