FRIDAY’S CIF-SS SOUTHERN DIVISION SEMIFINALS
Canyon (6-6) vs. Rancho Alamitos (10-2)
Where, when: Bolsa Grande High, 7 p.m.
Outlook: The Vaqueros appeared to come back to earth with two losses in Garden Grove League play after a 5-0 start, but they pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the second round with a 34-29 victory over second-seeded Westminster last week. Rancho quarterback Nick Brown has put together two 300-yard passing performances in the playoffs (with 11 touchdowns). Canyon might have the defensive firepower to corral him. They’ve allowed only three points, combined, in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Junior Christian Araiza had a team-high 10 tackles last week in a 27-3 win over Los Amigos, Ethan Rodgers had two sacks and Noah Faryniarz had an interception. Add to that a balanced rushing attack featuring tailbacks Daniel Casas and Charlie Treanor, and quarterback Jason Harman, and the Comanches might have found the formula for their seventh straight win.
