Common knowledge may be key for Flintridge Prep football

In the 22-team tight-knit league of CIF Southern Section Division I eight-man football, it’s difficult not to have a connection or common opponent.

So, when Flintridge Prep (7-3) hosts top-seeded Mojave High (9-0) in Friday evening’s playoff semifinal at 7 in La Cañada, two things will be certain.

While the Rebels and Mustangs did not play each other this season and have no first-hand knowledge, both teams have a few places and people they can call as they share three common opponents.

Flintridge Prep is attempting to advance to the fifth title game in school history as the program is 2-2 overall and 1-1 at the eight-man level.

The Rebels and Mustangs faced Riverside County Education Academy, Chadwick and Cate. While Mojave went 3-0 and won those games by an average margin of 27 points, Flintridge Prep was 2-1 with a winning margin of approximately four points.

One squad that gave both teams fits was Cate, which defeated Flintridge Prep, 55-48, after losing its season opener to Mojave, 34-32.

“Even though it’s a cliche, the best team that day will be the team that doesn’t turn the ball over,” Cate Coach Benjamin Soto said. “They’re two excellent ball clubs.

“I know that Mojave is well-coached and has an excellent staff and I was a big fan of [Flintridge Prep Coach] Russell White when he was at Cal. It was an honor to meet him and he’s done a wonderful job with the program.”

If there’s a bright spot for Flintridge Prep, however, it’s that the Rebels have found a way to win the close games as of late.

Flintridge Prep lost back-and-forth contests to Cate on Oct. 8 and to Downey Calvary Chapel (38-37 score) on Oct. 15 in what were the first two defeats of an eventual three-game losing streak.

Since then, however, Flintridge Prep outlasted Chadwick, 39-36, in the regular season finale before defeating Riverside County Education Academy (63-48) and Rolling Hills Prep (43-26) in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

If there’s been a hero this postseason, it’s been senior Kendall Kikkawa.

The running back has scored 10 total touchdowns in two playoff games, with nine on the ground accompanying 307 rushing yards on 53 carries (5.8 yards per carry).

Perhaps another positive for Flintridge Prep has been its ownership of the second half of games this postseason.

While the Rebels have been outscored, 52-50, in the first half, they’ve played well over the last two quarters and have outscored opponents, 56-22.

As for Mojave, the Mustangs haven’t been challenged much in a season that’s seen them knock of the No. 4, 5, 8 and 9-ranked teams this year.

After claiming the first two games of the season by single-digits, Mojave won its last five regular season games and two playoff contests by at least 29 points.

“It’s been a while since we played Mojave, but I remember that they were a very fast team,” Soto said. “They have an excellent defense and that will be a great match-up against Flintridge Prep’s receivers.”

While Flintridge Prep is playing eight-man football for the first time this century, Mojave has been a power and has advanced to back-to-back eight-man Division I title games.