Football: Predictions for City quarterfinals

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There will be four City Championship Division quarterfinal playoff games on Wednesday night. Here are my predictions:

Birmingham at Narbonne. It’s time to find out if Narbonne can win a big playoff game. This is the first of three in a row. Birmingham’s passing attack has struggled, with five interceptions in the last six quarters. Trajuan Briggs has run the ball well for Birmingham. If Narbonne can avoid turnovers and make sure Briggs doesn’t go off, the Gauchos will win.

Jordan at Crenshaw. Get ready for a three-hour game. Jordan figures to pass and pass and pass. It’s not going to be enough. Crenshaw has the speed and athletes to defeat the Bulldogs.

San Fernando at Taft. As much as I respect San Fernando quarterback Rashaad Reynolds, he’s not going to be able to single-handedly send Taft down to defeat. D.J. Morgan is going to take the Toreadors on his back and lead them into the semifinals.

Venice at San Pedro. Angelo Gasca has done the best coaching job in the City Section, getting his Venice team to come back from an 0-5 start. But Venice hasn’t beaten a top team all season, and that’s what the Pirates are, especially since Barry Heads became an effective passer. San Pedro advances.

-- Eric Sondheimer