CIF Playoffs - Round 1: Top Games

The CIF playoffs are underway and there are great match-ups across the Southland tonight. The first round is always full of upsets and last second wins in high school football and I expect tonight to be the same. The following games are the three best being played tonight in Southern California. Each game is being played in a different county (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange) across the area so you have to check out one of these three games if you live in the greater Los Angeles-Santa Ana-Riverside area. Enjoy!

St. John Bosco at No. 4 Alemany (Pac-5) - The two most athletic teams in Southern California square off in what is sure to be a high flying affair. Alemany wide receiver Steven Mitchell is one of the top Junior wide outs in the state and quarterback Devon Dunn has played well in big games to lead Alemany to an 8-2 regular season record. The Braves are led by Berkeley bound wide receiver and safety Bryce Treggs and Senior running back Royce Moore. The Braves lost to both Servite and Santa Margarita by eight points in Weeks 8 and 9 and have yet to win a close game down the stretch. If this one is close, expect Alemany, who won tight games against Loyola and Crespi, to come out on top. PICK: St. John Bosco

Chino Hills at Rancho Cucamonga (Inland) - The Inland Empire's best matchup features two programs who have been at the top of their game over the past several years. Both Rancho Cucamonga and Chino Hills finished second in their respected leagues and memories of losing in the semi-finals last year are still fresh in both team's heads. Rancho Cucamonga played consistently well behind the leadership of Senior quarterback Dimitri Morales and finished the season strong with wins over Etiwanda and Los Osos. Chino Hills' poor performance in the Sierra League championship game last week against Charter Oak has them at a season-low. Rancho Cucamonga mirrors Charter Oak's athleticism and has the best run game Chino Hills has seen to date. The game will be close early but expect Rancho Cucamonga to pull away in the second half. PICK: Rancho Cucamonga

Lakewood at San Clemente (Pac-5) - The often overlooked Tritons of San Clemente had a strong regular season, finishing 9-1, and would be undefeated if it weren't for a bad first half against Mission Viejo. The Tritons have been able to run the ball effectively with Senior Mike Elespuru behind a powerful offensive line. Lakewood has the mixture of size and athleticism to throw off the Triton offense. The Lancers only losses on the field came to Moore League champion Long Beach Poly and uber-athletic St. John Bosco. Although the Lancers match up better with the Tritons, expect San Clemente to come out with the tough victory. PICK: San Clemente