Is St. Bonaventure worthy of top seeding?

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

Overall, I felt the Northern Division playoff seedings were pretty fair, but I think there’s been a lot of head scratching over the decision to make St. Bonaventure the top-seeded team over Hart.

The Indians are one of just three undefeated teams in the area and they won the Foothill League title on Friday with a victory over a very talented Saugus team. And the Foothill League, in my book, is the toughest league in Southern California behind the Trinity League.

Meanwhile, St. Bonaventure, which lost in last year’s quarterfinals to Hart, cruised to its 12th consecutive league title after beating everyone in the ho-hum Channel League by a minimum of 24 points. And its only big wins came against Canyon (which didn’t make the playoffs) and Oaks Christian (which suffered three losses for the first time as a varsity program). The Seraphs also lost to Crespi, 25-9.

But, for some reason, I think everybody knew St. Bonaventure would be the No. 1-seeded team. Maybe it’s because the Seraphs have been ranked higher than Hart in our weekly rankings ever since the Indians tied Valencia or maybe it’s because the Seraphs are the favorite to represent Southern California in the Division III state bowl game. And maybe Hart’s nonleague schedule had something to do with it.

Still, I don’t think it matters too much. Both teams are still the favorites on their respective sides of the bracket and don’t be too surprised if they settle the ‘Who’s better?’ debate on the Home Depot Center turf.

For the full Northern Division playoff bracket, go here or download it here.

- Austin Knoblauch