Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco is the top game in Week 8 of the football season. Steve Fryer will have a separate preview and prediction for that game.
Here are Fryer’s previews and predictions for the other top games this week:
NO. 8 SAN CLEMENTE (6-1) VS. NO. 3 MISSION VIEJO (5-2)
Where, when: Mission Viejo High, Friday, 7 p.m.
Analysis: This major matchup is a South Coast League opener. San Clemente looks to have its best team in a few years. The offensive line that includes Connor Bachhuber and Ben Baker helps quick-footed running back Aiden Rubin lead the county in rushing with 1,175 yards, with an average of 168 yards a game. Mission Viejo’s excellent defense includes junior defensive lineman Jaden Williams, who has team highs of 59 tackles and 15 tackles for loss. Mission Viejo has defeated San Clemente the past two seasons, beating the Tritons 45-0 in 2021 and 49-14 last year. That could create a psychological advantage for Mission Viejo.
Winner: Mission Viejo
NO. 6 SANTA MARGARITA (4-3, 0-2) VS. NO. 2 JSERRA (4-3, 1-1)
Where, when: JSerra High, Friday, 7 p.m.
Analysis: Santa Margarita lost its league opener to St. John Bosco 42-7 then lost to Orange Lutheran 28-21 last week. JSerra beat Orange Lutheran both 24-14 before a one-sided loss to powerful Mater Dei last week 42-0. JSerra junior quarterback Michael Tollefson rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Orange Lutheran. Lions safety Jared Referente had eight solo tackles against Orange Lutheran. Santa Margarita’s offense is good and getting better. JSerra’s defense, though, will be the difference.
Winner: JSerra
NO. 4 ORANGE LUTHERAN (4-3, 1-1) VS. NO. 5 SERVITE (4-3, 0-2)
Where, when: Cerritos College, Friday, 7 p.m.
Analysis: Orange Lutheran is better when ace quarterback TJ Lateef is healthy, and Lateef is getting there after injuries limited his playing time and effectiveness in a few games. In last week’s 28-21 win over Santa Margarita he completed 22 of 30…
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