SF Valley/North: Week 10 rundown
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Naturally, there were a lot of big games in the final weekend of the regular season, so let’s get right down to it:
Bigger than expected: Behind another standout performance by RB Marquell Jefferson, Palmdale cruised to a 29-0 victory over Lancaster to clinch its sixth Golden League title outright. I really thought the Eagles would put up more of a fight in this one, but that was before I found out all-everything RB Taveon Burke didn’t play because of disciplinary reasons. It was the second game Burke missed because of disciplinary action this season and that’s really unfortunate since it devastated Lancaster’s chances to finish in second place.
Two prizes: With its 24-21 victory over Paso Robles, Atascadero claimed a share of the Pac-7 League title with the Bearcats and also grabbed the league’s top playoff seed. I’m sure the Greyhounds are excited about hosting Moorpark in the first round of the Northern Division playoffs, but I know they’re miffed about sharing the league title.
Impressive: There are three regional teams entering the playoffs unbeaten. Thanks to its 24-21 victory over Saugus, Hart remains undefeated even though it played to a tie with Valencia in Week 8. Los Padres League champ Morro Bay and Mid-Valley Division title contender Paraclete are the only regional teams with 10-0 records. Look for these talented teams to make long playoff runs.
Postseason bound: Behind a 282-yard, three TD performance by RB Bryan Lewelling, San Luis Obispo clinched a postseason berth with a dominating 37-7 victory over 101 rival Arroyo Grande. It was easily a career night for Lewelling, who entered the game with only 639 yards in 141 carries this season. Unfortunately, the Tigers’ first-round opponent is St. Bonaventure. Ouch!
They made it: If you told me Village Christian would make the playoffs a couple of weeks ago, I probably would have said, ‘Yeah, right.’ But with their 21-14 victory Friday over L.A. Baptist, the Crusaders grabbed the Olympic League‘s final automatic playoff seed. It’s good to see new Head Coach Jeff Cortez was able to guide his team into the postseason after their forgettable 0-8 start. The only problem is they have to face Santa Clara (my pick to win the Mid-Valley Division title) in the first round.
-- Austin Knoblauch
