Football: City Section semifinal preview

It’s down to one more victory and you’ve made it to the championship game. The City Section semifinals are set for Friday night. The winners advance to the finals on Dec. 3 at El Camino College. Here’s the sneak preview:

Division I

El Camino Real at Narbonne: Good luck to the Conquistadores, making their first semifinal appearance since 1989. They’re going to need lots of breaks and turnovers. Narbonne’s defense is the best in the City Section, particularly the Gauchos’ linebackers. And don’t forget about trying to block defensive lineman Dominic Peterson. And quarterback Jalen Chatman has gotten hot. The pick: Narbonne.

San Pedro vs. Dorsey at Rancho Cienega Park: Dorsey started the year playing lots of sophomores and now they’re experienced and a big reason the Dons keep improving week after week. They’re a very dangerous team. San Pedro has a strong defense and a terrific kicker in Tanner Carcamo. If the Pirates can run the ball effectively, they can win. The pick: Dorsey.

Division II

Grant at Hawkins: It’s the battle of the unbeatens, but in truth, Hawkins is a heavy favorite and has too many weapons for the Lancers. But Hawkins is facing off-the-field issues. There’s a City Section hearing on Tuesday that could decide whether Hawkins remains in the playoffs. The pick: Hawkins.

Westchester at Los Angeles: Junior quarterback Jonathan Murphy of Westchester has passed for 2,637 yards and 25 touchdowns. If the Comets can protect him and give him time, beware. But the Romans have one of the best defensive lines in the City Section, led by Martin Andrus. The pick: Los Angeles.

Division III

Chavez at Franklin: David Telles of Franklin loves to show off his speed, and he’ll do his best to get the Panthers into the finals. Chavez has played well in the playoffs, led by running back Luis Velasquez. The pick: Franklin.

Hollywood at Reseda: The Sheiks, seeded No. 6, have been showing off a versatile junior QB in Ray Hardy, who has passed for more than 1,500 yards. The Regents’ defense better be ready. Reseda has faced stronger opposition and will need to get the ball into the hands of its big-play performer, Ja’lani Elison. The pick: Reseda.

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