Football: Lots of strategizing for Northern Division semifinal

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

Jim Benkert vs. Todd Therrien. Two terrific coaches going at it, Westlake vs. Ventura St. Bonaventure. It’s going to be interesting to see the changes each has made since their Marmonte League game won by St. Bonaventure, 32-31, in overtime.

This Northern Division semifinal could come down to lessons learned. Benkert is going to try to get his team to put together an improved defensive performance. The key player to watch is lineman Justin Solis, who was a nonfactor in the earlier game. Also, for the first time this season, look for quarterback Nick Isham to play defense.

St. Bonaventure will try to move the ball on the ground behind running back Shaun Wick to open up its passing game. But if Westlake stuffs Wick, then the Seraphs better have a Plan B.

The game will air at 10 p.m. tape delay on Fox Sports West.

-- Eric Sondheimer