OCVarsity’s preview and prediction for Friday’s semifinal:
PAC-5 DIVISION
Centennial of Corona (12-0) vs. Mater Dei (10-2)
Where, when: Santa Ana Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Live coverage: Fox Sports West
Outlook: Defending division champion and top-seeded Centennial has made it look easy in these playoffs. The Huskies defeated Chaminade of West Hills, 70-29, in the first round and Orange Lutheran, 49-27, in the second round. J.J. Taylor ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns against Orange Lutheran and for the season has rushed for 1,500 yards and 35 touchdowns. Centennial is averaging 57 points a game this season. The Huskies’ average margin of victory is 42 points. They are ranked No. 2, behind De La Salle of Concord, in the California top 25 compiled by CalHiSports.com. Mater Dei, ranked No. 7 in the state and No. 1 in Orange County, in last week’s second round beat Serra of Gardena, 28-27, thanks to defense, special teams and a late-game, gutsy call to go for two points that worked. The Monarchs beat Lakewood, 61-40, in the first round. Mater Dei running back Brandon LaMarche has rushed for 1,515 yards and 20 touchdowns. Monarchs freshman quarterback JT Daniels has passed for 2,671 yards and 30 touchdowns. The winner plays the winner of the Bishop Amat-St. John Bosco semifinal in the Pac-5 championship game Dec. 5 at Angel Stadium. Centennial looks too skilled and confident to not be one of the teams in that championship game.
Prediction: Centennial
Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com
