FRIDAY’S CIF-SS SOUTHWEST DIVISION SEMIFINALS
Trabuco Hills (8-4) vs. Buena Park (11-1)
Where, when: Trabuco Hills High, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: While Buena Park’s offense has received much of the notoriety this season, it was the team’s defense that stole the headlines in last week’s shutout win over Villa Park. The Coyotes extended their season by forcing three turnovers, tallying five sacks and holding the Spartans offense to less than 100 total yards in a second-round matchup. In Trabuco Hills, the Coyotes will face the most physical team it has played all season. The Mustangs ousted top-seeded Corona del Mar last Friday, 28-10, behind its brutish offensive line. Trabuco quarterback Jimmy Jacobs did not attempt a pass in the second half. The senior QB did carry the ball 10 times for 58 yards, and running back Chad Crosbie bulled his way to 130 yards on 25 carries. The battle up front is where this game will be won. If the Mustangs’ offensive line can get the better of Cedric Dashiell, Siope Folau and the rest of the Coyotes’ front seven, they can also keep Buena Park’s quick-strike offense on the sideline. After tossing a season-high three interceptions last week, Coyotes quarterback Zach Taylor must play mistake-free football against a stingy Mustangs defensive unit that has picked off 17 passes. With everything on the line, look for Buena Park to get the ball to receiver Jaylinn Hawkins as much as possible. With two varying styles of play, this has the potential to be the best of the semifinals matchups.
