Cougars’ Opponents Familiar

Capistrano Valley Coach Jack Peterson thought he had seen the last of the Southern Section’s regionalized playoff format. But when he saw the section playoff pairings Monday, he wasn’t so sure.

Peterson’s Cougars, ranked first in Orange County and second in the Division I coaches poll, will probably open with Esperanza (10-8-5), the third-place team from the Sunset, ranked 11th in Division I. Esperanza plays Westminster (5-10-5) Wednesday in the wild-card round. If the Cougars survive the first round, on Friday, they will probably play Aliso Niguel, ranked ninth in Division I.

“They said they weren’t going to do regionalization, but all the teams we’re going to play are in our region,” Peterson said. “I spent four hours in that CIF meeting Saturday. It seems like the rankings are for naught. It’s disappointing because you work so hard all year to be ranked high in the coaches association and finish strong in your league.”

Fourth-seeded Mission Viejo (14-6-3), which defeated Capistrano Valley in last year’s Division I final, appeared to get the favorable draw. The Diablos will play El Toro (11-8-2) in the first round and the winner of Moreno Valley Canyon Springs (15-3-5) against the Corona Centennial-Murrieta Valley winner in the second round.

Mater Dei (11-4-5), ranked fourth in Division II and the third-place team in the South Coast League behind Mission Viejo and Capistrano Valley, will play at Norco (11-8-2), the third-place team in the Mountain View League. If the Monarchs win, they will face Canyon (13-6-5) Friday in the first round. Woodbridge (14-2-6) was seeded third and will open against University (10-6-7) or Troy.

In Division III, Laguna Hills (19-2-3) was seeded second and will open with Foothill (9-12-2). Two-time defending champion Santa Margarita (9-4-7) will open at Golden West champion Ocean View (12-8-4).