CIF STATE REGIONAL DIVISION V-A
FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Kennedy of Delano (10-3) vs. Saddleback Valley Christian (14-0)
Where, when: Saturday, Dec. 12; Laguna Hills High, 7:30 p.m.
Fan info: tickets, $12 for adults, $8 for students (with valid student ID) and for children 13 and under. … the game will be streamed live at twccommunity.com.
Saddleback Valley Christian scouting report: The Warriors are essentially coming off a bye week after capturing the CIF-SS East Valley title because of a forfeit by Grace Brethren of Simi Valley due to an ineligible player. The forfeit allowed running back/safety David Molina and quarterback Cade Henjum to heal injuries, but it also motivated the team to prove itself as a legitimate state playoff participant. “We deserve to be here and we want to go out and we want to prove that to the community and to CIF,” SVC coach Brendan Chambers said.
Kennedy scouting report: Don’t be fooled by the Thunderbirds’ record. They’re a Division 6 team in a Central Section league featuring Division 3 and 4 teams. “We play up,” said Kennedy coach Dennis Moody, whose team finished fourth in league but won the Division 6 title as the No. 1 seed. Kennedy’s wing-T offense features strong running backs David Zepeda and David Flores. Through 10 games, Kennedy had rushed for more than 3,700 yards and 40 touchdowns. Most of the players are from hard-working farming families, Moody said. Delano is part of Kern County.
Player to watch: Savai’i Cravens. The SVC junior is the brother of USC outside linebacker Su’a Cravens and caught two first-quarter touchdown passes in a 20-14 victory against Crean Lutheran in the East Valley semifinals. He also plays safety.
Prediction: Saddleback Valley Christian 42, Kennedy 21. Kennedy is departing at 7 a.m. and faces a long day only to meet a highly motivated team coming off a bye. The SoCal regional seems to sets up well for the Warriors.
DAN ALBANO
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
