Talking points: Southwest Division

AM: REEEE-MAAAATCH!!!

AM: Last week it was another game for Trabuco Hills, another Trabuco Hills blowout.

AC: No blowout this time. This is the cream of the crop going heads up.

AM: Yeah, Charter Oak’s defense is averaging about four sacks a game and two takeaways. This is probably the best defense Trabuco’s seen all season.

AC: Trabuco is like a snowball that has just been rolling and getting better with every win. The only blemish on its record was a loss to Laguna Hills.

AM: On paper, Charter Oak looks a lot like Trabuco.

AC: On paper they do look real similar, but with a little more of a high-powered offense for Charter Oak. One thing that sets them apart is Trabuco’s big front line. Boy, are they physical.

AM: You’re too young to be using the word “boy” in that context. It might be a two score game, but I like TH’s consistency to prevail.

AC: I like that they have played much tougher opponents than Charter Oak.  They have a handful of quality wins and have been battle tested. They have wins over South Hills, Foothill, El Toro, Brea Olinda and Wilson. All are playoff teams. ... I was at the Foothill-Trabuco battle for the Sea View League title and they looked unstoppable. The defense was solid with its tackling, and I can’t tell you enough good things about how strong and physical that front line looks.

AM: Yeah, and I think the Mustangs gained a lot of confidence after beating Foothill. They feel like they belong where they’re at.

AM: I know you love to predict winners and scores. What do you got for me?

AC: Momentum is such an X-factor in football. I have to give the edge to a battle-tested Trabuco Hills team that seems to be peaking at the right time. I like the Mustangs to control the tempo of the game with their running attack and edge out Charter Oak to avenge last year’s playoff loss — 24-17.

AM: Grazie. Fryer taught me that.

Contact the writer: amaya@ocregister.com