The play of Nordhoff’s Graham will be key against O.C.

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Garrett Graham is going to have to be at his best tonight if Nordhoff plans on having a shot at defeating heavily favored Oaks Christian in the Northwest Division championship game at Newbury Park High. One problem: the senior quarterback is nursing a sprained ankle, at the most inopportune time. With him, the Rangers have a chance, albeit slim. Without him, it could get ugly.

He suffered the injury in the playoff opener against Nipomo. Ironically, Graham played the entire game and finished with one of his best statistical efforts of the season, completing 8 of 12 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in a 23-20 victory. He’s played sparingly the last two weeks while Drew Rodriguez has filled in during victories over Compton Centennial and St. Bernard.

‘Garrett could end up being a game-time decision, but he wants to play, so there’s a good chance that he will,’’ Rangers Coach Cliff Farrar said. ‘Drew did his job, a good job, but Garrett gives us the best shot at winning. We need him, we need his senior leadership. He’s worked hard this season, everyone on this team has, to get to this point. There’s no turning back now.’’

No one understands the offense better than Graham, who started in his junior and sophomore seasons. Graham also understands what’s at stake, perhaps better than most. Playing mistake-free football is a must, especially against a team like Oaks Christian, in search of its fifth consecutive Southern Section title. Playing pain-free football is a must, too. At least it would help Graham & Co. in their upset bid.

-- Sean Ceglinsky, guest blogger