Harvard-Westlake faces one doozy of a challenger in Mater Dei

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Following its impressive victory over Westlake in the first round of the Division I-AA playoffs on Friday night, Harvard-Westlake will face a whopper of a challenge against Southland titan Mater Dei in the second round on Tuesday.

On paper, the Monarchs are the toughest team the Wolverines have faced this year, but Harvard-Westlake isn’t shaking in its high-tops. With a solid corps of players and a rowdy fan base that has seen them through 24 consecutive home victories, Coach Greg Hilliard is optimistic about his team’s chances despite their underdog status.

Check out this over the cellphone interview I had with the veteran coach:

Also, here’s some advice Hilliard passed on to me that I’ll be kind enough to give to you: GET THERE EARLY! The Harvard-Westlake parking lot is notorious for being too small for big playoff games like this one. Tip off is 7:30 p.m., so be sure to be turning off Ventura Boulevard onto Coldwater Canyon around 6:30.

I just hope the Crespi boys’ soccer game I’m planning to blog from beforehand doesn’t last four OTs or something.

And what are your thoughts on this one? Is Mater Dei going to plow through the Wolverines or is Harvard-Westlake going to pull off the upset? Don’t be shy -- use the comment board.

-- Austin Knoblauch