Upset puts Alemany on the brink of postseason berth

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Just when you thought it was safe to go out and start making predictions about how things are going to end up in the Mission League, Alemany posts its first league win in nearly three years with an impressive 43-21 victory over St. Paul on Friday.

Following St. Paul’s victory over Chaminade last week in what I practically dubbed the ‘Mission League title game,’ I thought St. Paul was a shoe-in for the league title. After all, Rivals and CalHiSports.com had the Swordsmen projected as the No. 5 selection to represent Southern California in the Division III state bowl.

And, strangely enough, it was the Warriors’ running game that earned them the win. Jon Mesa (usually a receiver) and RB Malcolm Marable combined for 255 yards on the ground. That’s the type of running performance Alemany desperately needed to prove it isn’t a one-trick pony on offense.

However, I’m not totally convinced the Warriors can take down cross-Valley rival Chaminade on Friday. Thanks to its four-team league, the winner of this game will guarantee itself a share of the league title and a spot in the Western Division playoffs. For the loser, there’s a definite chance its season could be over (depends on what happens in the St. Paul-St. Francis game).

A victory on Friday will prove Alemany isn’t just a potential upset-maker anymore.

-- Austin Knoblauch

-- Image courtesy Brian MacGregor (thanks!)