Final say on Saugus-Valencia

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I know some people out there, specifically coaches, don’t like to hear slam-dunk predictions two weeks into league play, but here I go:

I guarantee Saugus will make the playoffs again this season and Valencia won’t.

Some of you dedicated blogosophere adventurers might remember I said this in my very first posting back in August, but now I know for certain that Saugus is postseason bound. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Centurions post an upset against Canyon or Hart -- that’s how much they impressed me in their 34-19 victory over Valencia.

And what surprises me the most is how Saugus has played so well despite being one dimensional on offense. Everybody who’s faced them this season knows they’re going to run the ball and, every week, Saugus runs the ball right down the other team’s throat.

Nothing against QB Desi Rodriguez and 1,000-yard menace Ryan Zirbel, but you would think by now someone would have figured out a way to stop them. But no one has.

So you’ve got to give credit to Saugus Coach Jason Bornn and his coaching staff for getting so creative with a running game that utilizes a flurry of fake handoffs and tosses on nearly every play.

Because no one’s been able to figure it out so far.

- Austin Knoblauch