GAME OF THE WEEK
NO. 3 SANTA MARGARITA (5-3, 1-2) VS. NO. 6 SERVITE (4-4, 0-3)
Where, when: Cerritos College, Friday, 7 p.m.
Analysis: This is a big Trinity League game for Servite. The Friars need a fifth win to guarantee that they will finish at .500, the threshold for being a candidate for an at-large berth in the upcoming CIF Southern Section playoffs. The top three teams in a six-team league like the Trinity League are guaranteed entry into the playoffs; teams that finish fourth, fifth and sixth can be considered for at-large berths if they are .500 or better. A look at the CalPreps ratings that CIF-SS will use to place teams into playoff divisions indicates that Santa Margarita probably is a sure thing to be in Division 1, which was a 10-team bracket last year and contained two at-large teams. Division 1 could be an eight-team bracket or a 12-team bracket this year. As for this game, Santa Margarita last week beat JSerra 34-31 on Ryan Gass’ late field goal. Servite was unable to convert its late chances last week against Orange Lutheran in a 36-33 loss. The key player in this matchup is Santa Margarita sophomore receiver Trent Mosley, who last week produced 425 all-purpose yards including 232 yards on 10 receptions. He will be the difference-maker.
Winner: Santa Margarita
NO. 1 MATER DEI (7-1, 2-1) VS. NO. 2 ORANGE LUTHERAN (5-3, 2-1)
Where, when: Orange Coast College, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Analysis: This is a matchup of the top two teams in the county rankings. While there is a large chasm between the Nos. 1 and 2 teams we know that Mater Dei is not unbeatable as was proven last week when the Monarchs lost to St. John Bosco’s near-perfect performance 28-0. The previous time Mater Dei was shut out was in 2011 by Orange Lutheran 28-0. That also is the most-recent time the Lancers beat the Monarchs. Quarterback Elijah Brown last week did not get the offensive line protection he usually is…
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