OCVarsity’s preview for Friday’s CIF-SS football playoff games.
DIVISION 3
SEMIFINALS
Edison (11-1) vs. Rancho Verde (11-1)
Where, when: Rancho Verde High, 7 p.m.
Outlook: The Chargers are playing with purpose, fighting to send Coach Dave White out on top with a CIF championship. Defensive end Kenny Carmichael was a monster off the edge in last week’s win over Buena Park, racking up four sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, 10 tackles in addition to forcing a fumble. He and the rest of the defense have a tough task this week, trying to contain a Rancho Verde offense that is averaging close to 46 points a game and enters Friday night on an 11-game winning streak. The Mustangs are as balanced as they come, with quarterback EJ Stewart tossing 37 touchdowns and Marlon Moorer and the rushing attack tallying 35 scores on the ground. Chargers quarterback Griffin O’Connor has been stellar the second half of the season, but he’ll need to play better than his 9-for-20 showing against Buena Park. If Jack Carmichael and the rushing attack can get going early, that should open up the passing game where David Atencio, Shaun Colamonico and EJ Ginnis are all capable of putting up big numbers.