Maybe the only outcome of the game not being predicted is a blowout by Cardinal Newman. Otherwise it runs the gamut with some thinking that the Seraphs have too much team speed, particularly on defense to let the Cardinals even stay in the game. Many remember Newman's impressive showing two years ago at state against a heavily favored Oaks Christian and say the game will be close.
St. Bonny's RB/DB Patrick Hall is headed to USC and is just one of a handful of playmakers on offense and speedsters on defense, that also includes RB Devon Blackledge, WR/DB Isaiah Burton, WR/DB J.B. Dock, LB/DB Xavier Ramos and junior QB Logan Meyer.
The only blemish for either team was St. Bonaventure's 12-7 loss to Long Beach Poly, the No. 1-ranked team in the state, who will play Grant of Sacramento in the open division feature game today. That loss probably helped St. Bonaventure edge unbeaten Oaks Christian for the Div. III state SoCal berth.
Newman's offense was slowed last week by Clayton Valley in the NCS Div. II championship game, but QB Randy Wright still threw for nearly 200 yards. Jeff Badger and Joe Ferguson offer a tough 1-2 running punch and Ferguson figures to play alongside Badger at linebacker, returning to defense after a couple weeks off because of a shoulder injury.
Newman's defense handled Clayton Valley impressively and has been good against the run all season. Newman figures to open up its passing game after a couple of playoff games that had Newman either running because of so many defenders on the line or because it was trying to control the clock. It just seems like the perfect time for Wright and his stable of receivers to air it out.
St. Bonaventure allowed five TDs in four playoff games and Newman's first-string defense allowed four in three games.
St. Bonny's has won 34 of its last 37 games and Cardinal Newman 37 of its last 42, including one tie.
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