Santa Margarita, Long Beach Poly vie in football playoffs

Santa Margarita (9-2) vs. Long Beach Poly (10-1) at Veterans Stadium, 7 p.m. FoxSportsWest.com: This quarterfinal playoff game is good enough to be for the Pac-5 Division championship. There’s talent everywhere, and it’s going to come down to making adjustments at the right time. Poly relies on speed and big plays. Santa Margarita tries to control the clock behind its big offensive line and versatile quarterback Johnny Stanton. Poly has tremendous athletes, such as receiver Richard Smith, defensive end Alonzo Williams and linebacker Matthew Rowe. Poly hasn’t faced a tough opponent in weeks. Santa Margarita has been tested repeatedly against Trinity League foes. The pick: Santa Margarita.

Crenshaw (6-4) at San Pedro (11-0), 7 p.m. Everyone keeps waiting for San Pedro to slip up, but the Pirates have stayed unbeaten behind quarterback Kenny Potter and an underrated defensive unit that has more speed than people realize. Crenshaw is the two-time defending City Section Division I champion. Three of the Cougars’ four losses have been by one point. Jerry McConico is an effective quarterback when given time to throw, and that will be the key to whether the Cougars can pull off the upset. The pick: San Pedro.

San Clemente (10-1) at St. John Bosco (8-3), 7:30 p.m. FoxSportsWest.com: There aren’t too many opponents who look forward to facing St. John Bosco, the third-place finisher from the Trinity League. Last week, the Braves took out Serra League champion Alemany. This week, San Clemente is in their sights. Ask coaches about which team has the most talent, and some will pick the Braves. The defense is going to have to pressure San Clemente quarterback Travis Wilson, and the offense has to limit its turnovers. The pick: St. John Bosco.