Pacifica vs. Cypress: Who has the edge?

Quarterbacks

Pacifica's Raymond Huizar is probably the best passer in the Empire League. He leads all quarterbacks in yards and touchdowns and is second in completion percentage. The Pacifica signal caller has several options to choose from and seems to use them all. Cypress' Mike Vanderipe is a different beast. He's always a threat to run, but he can also beat you with his arm.

Edge: Even

Running backs

Josh Brannon has come up big when Pacifica has needed it. He is a bruising back, who moves the chains and opens up the passing game. Brannon is the type of back a team can get behind and ride for a half or more. He has rushed for 1,271 yards and eight touchdowns. Cypress is led by Vanderipe, Ryan Saumur and Taylor Coe, who have combined for nearly 2,000 rushing yards. The Centurions' running game is not as traditional as Pacifica's but is very explosive.

Slight edge: Cypress

Receivers

Cypress' Saumur or Pacifica's Tyler Ortiz? It might be a wash. They are two of the best playmakers, not just in their league and division, but in the county. Cypress has two more playmakers in Jared Cohen and Max Reza, but Pacifica has more depth. Nick Mahler and Raphael Huizar have at least 20 catches, and Richie Williams and Brannon have more than 10.

Slight edge: Pacifica

Defense

The Mariners struggled some in league play, but have been much better the past three games. They shut out Costa Mesa, gave up just one significant drive to Kennedy, and held a high-scoring Western offense to two scores. Cypress' best defense has sometimes been its offense. The Centurions have gotten stops when they have needed to, though.

Edge: Pacifica

Intangibles

Pacifica won the first meeting, a wild 35-34 result that could have gone either way. They entered the playoffs with a division championship on their radar and have played like it. Pacifica should be prepared for any situation, having won three games by a point, two by two points, and losing another by a point. The Centurions did not expect to be here. But they nearly beat Pacifica the first time around, and they haven't looked back since earning an at-large bid, taking out two league champs and avenging last year's playoff loss to Anaheim.

Slight edge: Cypress

Contact the writer: amaya@ocregister.com