Charter Oak-Trabuco Hill preview

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Since the start of the playoffs, Diamond Ranch Coach Roddy Layton and I have engaged in a friendly game of Southwest Division pick ‘em. After two rounds of games we are both 9-3, but that won’t be the case heading into the finals.

We both like Charter Oak to beat Trabuco Hills, but disagree in the other semifinal. I like El Dorado, but Layton likes South Hills. Forget TNT, me and Roddy, we know drama.

Here’s a breakdown of tonight’s game between the Chargers (10-1-1) and Mustangs (11-1) at Charter Oak High School. Kickoff is at 7.

Both teams seems to match up evenly. They both have strong, speedy defenses and offenses that can put up lots of points. In the playoffs, Trabuco Hills is averaging 44 points on offense and seven on defense; Charter Oak is putting up 45 points while only allowing nine.

So what’s the difference? Why do we feel Charter Oak will win?

I like the Chargers because of three words: Big Play Ability.

The Chargers have BPA with Kanaan Snowden, a running back/defensive back who scored 20 touchdowns during the season, including three of 70 yards or more. Snowden (pictured left) is so big people already ask for his autograph after games.

The Mustangs have big-time running back of their own in Matt Wagner, but Wagner doesn’t have the breakaway ability that Snowden has shown on many occasions this season.

Layton gives the Chargers the edge because of their coaching staff. Lou Farrar, who graduated from Charter Oak High, is the head coach and his son, Dominic, also Lou’s neighbor, is the offensive coordinator. Dom’s neighbor is the team’s defensive coordinator.

‘I recently sat down and ate with the Chargers (coaching) staff and felt like I was at a Farrar Family Reunion,’ Layton told me. ‘Big Lou’s son is the OC and the rest of the staff is made up off players who grew up, lived by, are friends of, and graduated from Charter Oak.

‘This group of men can reminisce about the glory days of the past and celebrate the greatness of the present. This is a great staff.’

Having said all of those nice things, Layton added one more thing.

‘I might like (Charter Oak’s) staff, enjoy our conversations together and cheer for (the Chargers) during the playoffs, but you know me, next year, when it’s game time, I will have my team ready to beat you! LOL. Good luck.’

Good luck to both teams. Make your fans, friends, parents, school, coaches and yourself proud.

-- Jaime Cardenas

-- Image from www.MySpace.com/21728999