Football: Seraphs ‘psyched’ for Centennial showdown

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The Southern Section’s first big interdivisional showdown of this 2012 season takes place tonight at Moorpark College, where Ventura St. Bonaventure hosts Corona Centennial in a matchup that could carry major implications come CIF state bowl selection time in December.

These two powerhouse programs have combined for 16 section titles and the one emerging victorious not only helps its own cause but also enhances the reputation of its entire playoff division.

Centennial is ranked eighth in the Southland by The Times and #2 in the Inland Division behind Vista Murrieta, which outscored the Huskies 35-28 in last year’s championship game. The Huskies have six section titles to their credit and have been to three Division 1 state bowls.

St. Bonaventure, ranked #9 by The Times, is returning six offensive starters and six defensive starters from the squad that lost to Westlake Village Oaks Christian 27-24 in the Northern Division semifinals. The Seraphs own 10 section crowns but adding another will be difficult because the Marmonte League has moved up to the Pac-5 Division, considered the toughest in the state.

This is a rematch of last year’s season opener, when St. Bonaventure overcame a 20-14 halftime deficit to prevail 29-27, dealing Centennial its first home defeat since 2009 and its first season-opening loss since a 2004 setback to Long Beach Poly. The Seraphs not only have a home-field advantage, but they also have a game under their belts, having trounced Los Angeles Garfield 48-0 last week.

Centennial’s string of success under Coach Matt Logan has made the Huskies accustomed to traveling long distances for nonleague games, so don’t expect their two-hour bus ride from Riverside County to play a factor. The question will be how effectively junior quarterback Robert Webber, making his first varsity start, gets the ball to standout receivers Chase Krivashel and Ryan Pascarella.

Kickoff is at 7:30, but fans are already trickling in. Check back for scoring updates during the game.

-- Steve Galluzzo