OCVarsity’s previews and predictions for Friday’s semifinals:
EAST VALLEY DIVISION
Brethren Christian (11-1) vs. Grace Brethren (12-0)
Where, when: Ocean View High, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Warriors running back Jordan Leonard continues to tear defenses apart in what’s becoming a historic junior campaign. Leonard ran for 206 yards on 20 carries last week, surpassing the 2,500-yard mark for the season in a 49-26 win over Rancho Christian. Grace Brethren is a different type of beast, however, when comparing defenses Brethren Christian has played this season. The top-seeded Lancers pitched their ninth shutout of the season last Friday, and have seen only one team score more than a touchdown against this entire season. It will take a special effort from Leonard and the offensive line to advance to next week’s championship game.
Prediction: Grace Brethren
Saddleback Valley Christian (12-0) vs. Crean Lutheran (9-3)
Where, when: San Juan Hills High, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Cade Henjum’s health is a major storyline to keep an eye on here. The Warriors’ junior quarterback sustained a leg injury in the team’s win over St. Margaret’s last week, but played through the pain – and played well – to top the East Valley Division’s perennial power. If Henjum is close to 100 percent, SVC will be tough to beat. The Warriors knocked off the Saints in week one this season, 40-21. Crean Lutheran has made huge strides since that opener, but so too has SVC. The county will get at least one representative in the East Vallety finale next week, and it’s hard to imagine that game being played without one of the division’s unbeatens.
Prediction: Saddleback Valley Christian
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
