Week 5: More big-game predictions
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There are plenty of important matchups in Week 5, so let’s get right down to it. As always, I make my picks before having to see what Calpreps.com has to say.
No. 23 Oaks Christian (2-2) vs. Diamond Ranch (3-1) at Ganesha, 7 p.m. (tonight/Thursday) –- Sure, they won’t have top WR Chris Owusu, but the Lions are too talented to fall to what would be an unprecedented three-game losing streak. Of course, if Oaks Christian has another mental breakdown, Diamond Ranch will make them pay -- just not enough to pull off an upset.
My Prediction: Oaks Christian 36, Diamond Ranch 20
Calpreps.com Prediction: Oaks Christian 34, Diamond Ranch 21
No. 6 Servite (4-0) at No. 11 Notre Dame (3-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday – Following the Birmingham debacle and its near loss to Saugus, Notre Dame needs to prove it can beat a top-flight team. Unfortunately, Servite’s bone-crushing defense coupled with the D.J. Shoemate-led offense might be too much for Dayne Crist and Co. Either way, it’s going to be a great contest.
My Prediction: Servite 24, Notre Dame 21
Calpreps.com Prediction: Servite 21, Notre Dame 17
Loyola (2-2) vs. No. 7 Hart (4-0) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m. – RB Delano Howell had a big game against Claremont, but let’s see what he can do against a tougher Loyola squad looking to prove it’s more than a Serra League afterthought this season. Unfortunately for the Cubs, Hart’s defense is too good and QB B.R. Holbrook has proven to be a top-notch two-way threat.
My Prediction: Hart 34, Loyola 13
Calpreps.com Prediction: Hart 34, Loyola 19
(Here’s a nice video interview with Servite’s D.J. Shoemate I found on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.)
- Austin Knoblauch
