Big-game predictions: Week 4
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Last week, I got burned on some of my picks (I was one of the guys who picked Notre Dame over Birmingham), so feel free to write as many heart-felt comments as you’d like if you disagree (or agree) with my following Week 4 predictions. As always, I make them before checking to see what Calpreps.com has to say.
No. 13 Venice (3-0) at No. 21 Oaks Christian (2-1), 7 p.m. -- Man, this is going to be a close one. Oaks Christian looked solid in the second half of its 41-33 loss to No. 3 St. Bonaventure but, the ‘Chris Potter and Malcolm Jones Show’ didn’t turn on until the Lions were down, 34-0. They also had the pressure of a 48-game winning streak on their backs. Oaks Christian can’t afford to jump into a five-TD hole against Venice. And with talented QB Richard Ragland paired with a strong defense, I think the Gondoliers are going to put the Lions on their first losing streak since they dropped two in-a-row at the end of league play in 2003.
My prediction: Venice 28, Oaks Christian 24
Calpreps.com: Oaks Christian 34, Venice 31
No. 10 Notre Dame (2-1) vs. Saugus (3-0) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m. -- The Knights got hit hard last week, but I think they’re going to rebound nicely against the Centurions. Still, if Dayne Crist and Co. hit any snags along the way, Saugus RB Ryan Zirbel could stomp the Knights like a French grape. The Centurions are obviously ready for a new challenge after downing Westlake and Alemany. If they can keep things close with the Knights, it’ll show they’re ready to take on Foothill League titans Canyon and Hart.
My prediction: Notre Dame 41, Saugus 20
Calpreps.com: Notre Dame 31, Saugus 21
No. 20 Canyon (1-2) at Chaminade (3-0), 7 p.m. -- The Cowboys picked up their first win against Lancaster, but, things could have gone better. Canyon didn’t execute as well as it could have on defense and it lost top WR Mark Urbina for the season after he suffered a compound leg fracture. Unfortunately for Chaminade, Canyon’s offense has plenty of other weapons, including QB Sean Gavin and WR Stephen Wirthlin. Of course, the Eagles’ QB Ryan Griffin will keep Mike Spagnola and the rest of the Canyon defense buzzing.
My prediction: Canyon 38, Chaminade 24
Calpreps.com: Canyon 31, Chaminade 28
- Austin Knoblauch
