OCVarsity’s previews and predictions for the first-round games for the Orange County teams.
ALL GAMES FRIDAY
PAC-5 DIVISION
Orange Lutheran (5-5) vs. St. Bonaventure of Ventura (7-3)
Where, when: St. Bonaventure High, 7:30 p.m.
Live coverage: Fox Sports West
Outlook: Orange Lutheran lost its final two games of the regular season, Trinity League games against St. John Bosco and JSerra, to finish in a three-way tie for third place, the final guaranteed playoff berth in the six-team league. Lutheran won coin flips to get the No. 3 position. Lancers quarterback Lj Northington’s mobility and arm strength make him a big challenge for opposing defenses. St. Bonaventure finished second in the four-team Marmonte League. The Seraphs have been giving up plenty of points, at a rate of 27 points allowed a game. The winner plays in the second round against the winner of Chaminade of West Hills vs. top-seeded Centennial of Corona.
Prediction: Orange Lutheran wins
Lakewood (4-6) vs. Mater Dei (8-2)
Where, when: Santa Ana Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: Lakewood finished second in the seven-team Moore League. The Lancers won their final two regular-season games, league games, by large margins – 75-6 over Compton, 34-3 over Long Beach Jordan. Among their losses is a 53-16 nonleague defeat to Los Alamitos. Mater Dei finished second in the six-team Trinity League. The Monarchs lost to JSerra in Week 9 and then rebounded fiercely with a 45-14 win over Santa Margarita to conclude the regular season. Mater Dei had eight sacks in the Santa Margarita game. Freshman quarterback JT Daniels, receiver Osiris St. Brown and running back Brandon LaMarche have been Mater Dei’s offensive stars throughout the season. The winner plays in the second round against the Westlake of Westlake Village vs. Serra of Gardena winner.
Prediction: Mater Dei wins
Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com
