We’re back for another week of fun across the county.
Will there be any upsets? Who will be the surprise team or player this week?
Here is this week’s OCVarsity Pregame Madness for Week 4.
MY WEEKLY TOP 10 VOTE
1. Mater Dei; 2. Servite; 3. JSerra; 4. Santa Margarita; 5. Corona del Mar; 6. Orange Lutheran; 7. Los Alamitos; 8. San Clemente; 9. Tesoro; 10. Edison
THE STREAK
This is by far the game of the week. Sixth-ranked Corona del Mar increased its consecutive winning streak to 30 games with last week’s 28-18 victory over rival Newport Harbor. This week, CdM puts it all on the line against Tesoro in one of most-anticipated nonleague games of the year. The Titans, ranked seventh in the county, have bounced back from a 26-23 loss to La Mirada in the season opener, to win three consecutive games. Quarterback Devon Modster leads the way along with CdM transfer running back Anthony Battista. CdM’s running back depth is being tested without Cole Martin. However, Jaydin Moses stepped in last week and rushed for 184 yards. So is will the streak come to an end?
Prediction: The streak lives.
FRIDAY’S OTHER MUSE-SEE GAMES
No. 1 Mater Dei vs. No. 10 Edison – The final game in Edison’s two-step through the Trinity League. They will get a week off before starting Sunset League play. Game is at Orange Coast College.
Kennedy at Capistrano Valley – Both teams are 3-1. Somebody will be 3-2 … that is unless the game ends in a tie.
Fountain Valley vs. Westminster – The Lions have scored 113 points in their last two games since losing their opener 21-0 to Garden Grove. The Barons are 3-1.
Valencia vs. Troy (at Fullerton District Stadium) – This is Troy’s home game. The Warriors are 3-1 and the Tigers are 3-0. Valencia is ranked third in the latest CIF-SS Southwest Division poll. Don’t overlook them.
SERVITE HITTING THE ROAD
The Friars are heading to De La Salle for another tough nonleague game. What’s waiting for them is a high-scoring Spartans offense. De La Salle is averaging 53 points a game. Is Servite ready for this?
Prediction: De La Salle
DON’T FORGET ABOUT MOBY
After an injury-shortened 2013, Moby Contreras is back in action for Los Amigos. And after the first three games, he means business. Contreras opened the season with a 202-yard, 3-touchdown performance against Godinez. Last year, he rushed for 304 yards and four touchdowns. He’s now in second place in the race for the county rushing title.
QUINTEN HAS GAME BY THE POUNDS
Name one player that shouldn’t be overlooked in the chase for the “OCVarsity Heisman Trophy” …that would be Cypress Quinten Pounds. Do you need some proof? Then look at last week’s performance. Pounds rushed for 161 yards, returned a kick 85 yards for a touchdown, had a touchdown reception and had an interception. That’s an impressive day’s work. I expect that Heisman campaign to get fired up shortly. (#FunFact: the OCVarsity Heisman Trophy doesn’t really exist. Or does it?)
THOSE NEW-LOOK MATER DEI JERSEYS
I’m all in favor of the new Mater Dei jerseys that they brought out last week against Upland. As coach Rollinson told Dan Albano: “It’s what young kids out there want to do.” No one will ever consult with media guys regarding updated jerseys, but I will offer this piece of advice: Just make sure those jersey numbers are easy to read from the press box.
I’LL SEE YOU FRIDAY NIGHT AT…
Mission Viejo High …To see if the Diablos (2-2) can continue their turnaround against Redondo Union (1-3). I think they will.
