Northwest Division playoff recap

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

All four teams from the SF Valley/North region won in the opening round of postseason play. Some victories were more impressive than others. Then again, it’s win or go home, and I imagine there’s plenty of coaches, players, and fans alike who are pleased to have simply survived. Here’s a look at who did what and how.

No doubt about this one: I had a feeling Oaks Christian was going to come out and make a statement. And sure enough, the Lions did, scoring 28 unanswered points in the first half en route to a 56-26 victory over San Dimas. Did I mention this game was at San Dimas? Ouch! Bet my colleague, Jaime Cardenas, wishes he never submitted this blog. I have to give him credit, though, as he went out on a limb.

Breakout effort: Paul Royster, a relative unknown, was making plays all over the field for Harvard-Westlake in a 42-16 victory over Torrance. After totaling three touchdowns in the previous 10 games, the senior found the end zone four times, on a 97-yard kickoff return, a 14-yard reception and runs of 9 and 14 yards. Not too shabby.

Couple of scares: I can’t imagine Oak Park thought it would struggle as much as it did in a 21-14 victory over St. Joseph. Guess the Eagles won’t underestimate anyone else. Nordhoff narrowly defeated Nipomo, 23-20, in overtime, but only after Cody Burr blocked a field-goal attempt. If you have a minute, it might be worth reading the story the Ventura County Star did on this nail-biter.

-- Sean Ceglinsky, guest blogger