NCAA Bowlfest and HSF State Champ

[Riff-Raff]

Record:

HSF: 63-47-3 (+18.8 units)
College Foot. 114-110-4 (-20.4 units)


......Working on a HSF play for tonight.


Army/Navy Over 47..... 7 units... Loser

 

[Riff-Raff]

Tonight's HSF Play.....

With all the State Bowl games being played in Cal, you would think perhaps a few more HSF lines would be in the rotation. Oh well, things are rapidly becoming a history for this degenerate season. It's been fun..... ended with a little win streak, so there's that. Perhaps some high school basketball in the horizon... Who knows..

For this evening... *I had planned doing a big write up for this Southern clash between Edison and San Clemente, however, no need to reinvent the wheel. If you want some information on what I'm basing my play on, just go back a couple of weeks and you should be able to pilfer the necessary work.

This match-up is fairly even but each has a little motivation for this game. San Clemente is led by a true dual threat QB that is expected to have big campaigns when he eventually starts for the USC Trojans. It will be like going to college in your own backyard. This is his 3rd State Championship season, unfortunately, he has yet to hoist the crown. Perhaps tonight will be the final step to get him to the promise land. He is a true leader and his teammates trust him to get them there..... Clemente has several Div 1 athletes and they are well coached. They put up a lot of points.

Edison is kinda a surprise to be here. Their HC is in his final season and games after a tremendous tenure at Edison. The team is playing for their Coach trying to bring him a State Championship to retire on,after over 30 years of service to the school. Their emotions have appeared to carry them this far, and they do have a big line with some very capable receivers. The Defense has held tight in some very close games.

I made my wager yesterday, and got Clemente 5'.....for 3 units.... (-120)... I happen to think Clemente is the better team and that the wrong team is favored. It really boils down to Clemente QB Sears and his confidence and maturity. He doesn't rattle and in case they get down I expect him to be able to mount a comeback. Like I said, the points are a gift and I think Clemente probably wins outright... Gl

WINNER... FINAL SAN CLEMENTE 39...EDISON 35!

 

[Riff-Raff]

More HSF Championships from TX and CA....

Thursday 12/15.......Gotta love TX HSF football. 12 State Champs crowned in 4 day stretch. Played at Arlington, AT&T Stadium (no need to worry about the weather)

8 am Div 2 - 2A

(15-0) Iraan Braves vs (15-0) Bremond Tigers......

Iraan/Bremond Over 63....2 units... WIN..(Final: Bremond 49-- Iraan 28)...*Both teams come in undefeated which gives them the distinction of being the only perfect teams in the Championships. Obviously, both teams are well coached and have great ball players. What needs to be mentioned is that both teams have kinda unique backgrounds coming in that is difficult to handicap. Iraan is actually the higher ranked team as it returned 18 starters from a squad that went 13-1 last year, so there were some very high expectations. Iraan last won state in 1996 ,while Bremond is trying to win its 3rd straight title.

What's even more of interest is that the Braves have had to deal with tremendous heartache as a bus full of Iraan cheerleaders left the regional final game on Dec 2, and had a grave accident by hitting a 18 wheeler head on. The accident killed a teacher (cheerleader advisor) and sent another adult with 7 cheerleaders to the hospital. Fortunately, only 1 died, but the accident was tough on the players and coaches despite the tremendous community support. In fact, in last week's semi final over 800 cheerleaders from different schools in Texas and New Mexico came to the game to cheer for Iraan. The win was an emotional one, and that energy will more than likely carry over to this game.

On the other side, is Bremond and its 46 game winning streak that has been led by Texas A&M commit, Roshauud Paul who has accounted for 73 Tds (50 rushing) and 4,764 yards. Simply put, no one has been able to stop him on the field. He has started for 4 years and has won 58 of 59 games in that tenure. In addition, the young man has won numerous awards that has included Mr Texas High School Football Player (given to the best player in the state), he has also won the Offensive MVP awards for the State Championship games the past 2 years. Also, helping the dual threat QB is RB Kaidyn Peralez who had 215 yards rushing last week. The offense averages 47 points per game.. Noone has had the magic formula to slow Paul down despite game planning for him. He can stop on a dime and accelerate before the defense can get set.

Iraan will be the sentimental favorite for this one and they are certainly cap of winning the title, however, they will need to stop Paul (the winningest player in TXHSFB history) while that sounds good on paper, actually doing it is another story. I do think this one will be close and should see some scoring so I'm sticking with the Over and adding 1 unit to Iraan +7'...LOSS. ..


11 am Div 1 2A Championship

(14-1) Crawford Pirates vs (14-1) Refugio Bobcats....

Crawford / Refugio Under 54.....2 units... WIN... (Final: Refugio 23-- Crawford 20)...*I also believe Refugio -9' is the play, I will stick with my prediction that this one is a tight defensive battle in which points will be at a premium.

Refugio has recorded 6 shut outs all year. They lost last years title bid by getting pounded 61-20. They last won the State in 2011. They sport one of the best defenses in HSF of TX. The Defense has only given up 97 points in the regular season total for 6.47 ppg. The Defense is led by DT Trace Mascorro and LB Kobie Herring (the coaches son) who are both headed to UTEP.. Refugio has a very capable Offense too, averages 47 ppg.

Crawford wants to run the ball out of the split back veer. They want to shorten the game by keeping the clock running, keep the opposing offense off the field, and win the turnover war (something Refugio needs to worry about as they had 6 TO in the last games).Their defense is also stingy and hasn't given up more than 21 points since their opening loss of the season. The Defense averages 11.9 ppg. Last week the Pirates threw in a new wrinkle which saw them pass the ball more, and they were successful throwing the ball to their top WR Jeff Ward for 3 TDs through the air. Their motto is "Small Town, Big Dreams".... Which is touching but I don't think the Bobcats care.

Add 1 unit to Refugio - 9'...Gl... LOSS

Back with more later..

 

[hedgehog]

Where can you bet hs football? I live in Texas and they are all televised...
Keep em coming riff

 

[Riff-Raff]

Where can you bet hs football? I live in Texas and they are all televised...
Keep em coming riff

5Dimes has all the state championship lines.

 

[Riff-Raff]

Where can you bet hs football? I live in Texas and they are all televised...
Keep em coming riff

5Dimes has all the state championship lines. Looks like halftime Bremond 21- Iraan 14 so far

 

[Riff-Raff]

Well it is in the books..... Bremond wins its 3rd straight championship. Obviously, Iraan had no answer for Paul. Will be fun to watch this kid down the road with the Aggies. Bremond 49 Iraan 28....fairly easy Over....

Today:

3 pm Div 2 3A match...

(15-0) Gunther Tigers vs (13-2) Boling Bulldogs.... *A backyard brawl between Tigers and Bulldogs....

Play Gunther - 6' over Boling ....2 units... WINNER... (Gunter 43-- Boling 7)...*Neither team is the blue bloods of Texas High School Football... In fact, on my research, I hung out in a forum designed for the state championship. People from Texas didn't even know where these schools are from. Boling's last trip to the championship was in 1972, while Gunther is a virgin to the big game.

Gunther comes in undefeated and ranked #1 in the division. Gunther averages 41.9 ppg while allowing 12.8. Perhaps their biggest win was last week against perennial power Canadian (won the title last year) 41-31. They rolled in most of their other games. QB Trey Carr runs the triple option attack..... (we all know how colleges fare against the attack if run correctly... ...in last week's game Carr had 2 running Tds and 1 throwing. His pitch man is FB Colson Stowall who rushed for 134 yards and 2 scores in the same game. When he gets a crease he is gone.

Boling averages 40.4 ppg, and allows 20. That may be the difference, as last week, the Bulldogs were able to slide by Arp in a 19-18 defensive battle. The QB is a man child. Vernon Jackson is 6' 3" and 235 pounds. He seldom throws the ball, but has racked up multiple 300 yard games on the ground. He is actually a Defensive End recruit looking at several local colleges. In last weeks game he only threw 2 passes and was 0-2. Senior RB Ronald Krushall had 97 yards on 15 carries with a score. Bulldogs also have a big play threat in RB Elijah Gooden (going to Houston).. who also moonlights as a LB on D.

What made me back Gunter despite Bulldogs seemingly to have several Div 1 recruits, is that the Triple Option is dangerous when ran in the right hands, something that the Tigers do very well. Another flag was that Boling had to have a couple of upsets to be here. I think maybe their time has run out to the undefeated Tigers. This one may go over also as their are a couple of leaks.

 

[Riff-Raff]

Big rotation tomorrow in CA and TX HSF Degen plays.... Much work to do.. 1 more today that I like...in Texas..


6pm Div 1 3A

(13-2) Mineola Yellow jackets vs (11-4) Yoakum Bulldogs...

Mineola -10....3 units... WINNER.. (Final: Mineola 35-- Yoakum 14)...*This just feels like destiny to me. Between that and lady MO, I'm backing the Yellowjackets. Mineola lost the 2014 title game, and was upset last year in the playoffs. Mineola returns most of its starters on both sides of the ball. They are the #1 ranked team in their division. When I talk about Lady MO I'm referring to the fact that Mineola won their last 2 games by 85 points.

Mineola averages 46.2 points per game. They allow 14.6 ppg. In last week's 50-8 blow-out win in the semi's, QB Jeremiah Crawford rushed for 262 yards w/4 TDs. RB Chantz Perkins contributed with 139 yards w/3 TDs. After allowing 82 points in a scary 0-2 start, the defense buckled up and held the following 13 game winning streak to 10.6 points per game. The Defense held Wall (last week's opponent) to 126 yards on 39 attempts while forcing 3 fumbles (this was after Wall ran for 320 yards w/3 TDs against the defending state champs). Overall, Crawford has 2,598 yards rushing w/41 TDs. Senior Chantz Perkins has 1,262 yards w/19 TDs. He has passed for and completed 49 of 105 attempts for 868 yards w/15 TDs. Mineola averages 342 yards per game. Despite being a rushing team, many of Mineolas scoring drives are 10 plays or less. In last week's game, the Yellowjackets scored 7 rushing TDs and only on its last drive took more than 10 plays. The clock drains fast by these turf eating drives.

Yes, there is another team in this contest. It's fairly remarkable that Yoakum had 4 losses however, finds itself here playing for the championship and immortality. They are actually in the midst of a 9 game winning streak. Yoakum last finished as state runner - up in 1952, so it's been awhile since they have been this far. They have rebounded from a 2-4 start to get here. Yoakum averages 35.2 points per game and allows 22.8 ppg. Yoakum has twins, Joshua Moore and Jordan that they rely on for rushing and receiving. The two have very eerily similar stats. Josh is 6' 3" and Jordan is 6'1". Josh had 319 yards rushing with 516 yards receiving w/12 TDs. Jordan had 506 yards rushing with 510 yards receiving w/11 TDs. As receivers they go up and get it. Yoakum also likes to rotate 4 or 5 Rbs. They are big on the Oline. In last week's game, Yoakum ran the ball 50 times with Senior RB Henry Enoch doing the heavy lifting with 26 carries for 161 yards with a TD. All told, Yoakum comes in with 3,925 yards rushing. They average 261 yards on the ground per game. They have 2 Qbs who throw the ball, however, their numbers are fairly pedestrian. Senior QB Bryson Hagan has passed for a combined 276 yards w/5 TDs..

No secret that both teams want to run. This game could be over fairly quickly if the clock keeps running. Mineola seems to be firing on all cylinders and the difference here could be their Defense. In addition, while Mineola has cruised through the playoffs, Yoakum won their 3 playoff games by a total of 10 points. I think this will be too much of the Yellowjacket attack and they cruise here...... Lean to the Under also, if the clock runs.. Gl.

 

[Riff-Raff]

Turning a nice little profit thus far.... 4-0 on the main wagers... Lost a couple of units on some lesser sides.. Onward...

10 am Div 2 4A

(15-0) W-Orange Stark Mustangs vs (13-1) Sweetwater Mustangs....

Stark -21...over Sweetwater.... 2 units...LOSS... (Final: WOS 24 - Sweetwater 6...Sweet scored on a fumble return so WOS D did their job) *Yes, that is a lot of chalk for a HSF team in a championship game. Unfortunately, this is the only way to play it. If you don't want to risk the chalk it might be better to pass. I had compiled a couple of pages of notes, but really this comes down to the Orange Stark Defense.

Why am I laying the 21? Where do I start. From all accounts, evidently the Mustangs of Stark might be the best in the state. In 5 playoff games, opponents have only managed a total of 4 Tds. Orange has outscored its opponents 787-63 on the season. While the team averages 52.5 ppg, they only allow a straitjacket 4.2 ppg. The D has pitched 9 shut-outs. They have taken to calling themselves the chain gang defense. Their winning by an average of 48 points. They have beaten all takers by at least 24 points, only 2 teams kept it under 33 points. That is some outstanding D and as far as I'm concerned they can call themselves anything they wish after such dominant and suffocating D. In fact, they never even gave up a point until the 6 game in. In last week's semi - final match, they held the vaunted Slot T offense to less than 3 yards per carry. The Geronimo Navarro team was considered one of the best in the division. They walked away black and blue by a 49-7 score. The offense is led by QB Jack Dallas who has led the team to 26 straight wins.... **Not a bad name for a QB from The State of Texas. In last week's game, he threw for 161 yards w/3 Tds. Helping out is WR Keron Hancock who hauled in 2 TD passes. Also, RB Jeremiah Shaw has multiple 100 yard games, and is a Div 1 recruit.

Sweetwater comes in ranked as the #2 team in the Division. They average 45.7 ppg and allow 17.3 ppg. They are led by their dual threat QB Chris Thomas who has recorded 2,750 yards passing, and nearly 1,000 rushing, with a total of 52 Tds. You can bet that Orange will game plan for him. On offense, the team is up tempo with a group of extremely quick, and shifty receivers. In last week's game Sweetwater had to have 5 Int to turn the game around... to get the win. They may have shot their wad on that emotional win.

For Orange its all about the D. They are playing in their 3rd straight Title game, and won it last year. This game will be obvious early, to see if Sweetwater can put points on the board and stay close going into the 4th quarter of something no other team has managed to do. The line opened at -14' and quickly was bid up to -21, which shouldn't matter if Orange keeps its display of excellence on the Defense. I wouldn't be shocked if Orange pitches another shut out, while Sweetwater has given up points this year, this is earmarked for a big blow out and the Mustangs 2nd consecutive title.




2pm Div 2 4A

(12-1) Wylie (Abilene) Bulldogs vs (12-2) Carthage Bulldogs.....

Play Wylie +3' over Carthage... 2 units...LOSS of (Final: Carthage 31 - Wylie 17)*The game before this one was a battle between Mustangs. This one is a battle of the canines.

Two fairly evenly matched teams with 2 veteran coaches. Carthage Coach Scott Surratt is 40-5 in all playoff games. Carthage is appearing in its 6th state championship. They are 4-1 in those title games. Carthage averages 34.1 ppg while allowing 22.9. Wylie averages 39.3 ppg while giving 13 ppg. These two are the #1 and #2 teams in their division. Carthage QB SR Kason Davis is 6'2" 180 lbs. He is 205 of 355 for 2,887 yards w/29 TDs...but does have 8 Ints. RB Keontay Ingram Jr is 6'0" 198 lbs. He has 292 carries, for 2,045 yards w/29 TDs, also has 452 yards catches w/2 TDs. Another athlete on the team that helps the offense is WR Dewaylon Ingraham a 6'0" 160 lbs (57 catches for 910 yards w/8 TDs).

On Wylie, the D is their strength and the D line is nasty, athletic, disruptive, and creates havoc. They operate out of multiple fronts, that includes, 3-4 and 4-4 hybrid. Their strength is stopping the run, something Carthage does 55% of the time. On offense, Carthage is led by QB Zack Smith SR 5'10" 160 (84 of 198 for 1,093 yards w/17 TDs. and 120 carries on the ground for 647 yards w/11 more TDs. Helping is RB Brooks Peppers Sr 6'0" 190 lbs, 180 carries for 1, 466 yards w/17 TDs and 19 catches for 242 yards w/1 TD. WR Tyler Henson Sr 6'0" 180 lbs (22 catches for 337 yards w/7 TDs). On D Wylie averages nearly 4 turnovers per game. They will strip the ball and look for opportunities in the air for pick 6. They had 37 turnovers on the season. Wylie relys on a huge Oline. Wylie QB Zack Smith actually made the move this year to give up his corner back spot to run the offense as QB. Wylie cleared a major hurdle in their playoff game with their nemesis Argyle to finally beat them.

It was Carthage that finished 3rd in their district and was lucky to be in the playoffs. They made the most of it and have improved each week to run the table to the state championship. A very impressive feature... No doubt. Still, I'm backing the Bulldogs (joke... Their both Bulldogs)... I'm taking the points with the short underdog.. Gl

 

[Riff-Raff]

Friday.... 1 more in Texas..... *Curious to see what happens in the WOS game... Line opened around -14..now at -27' before kick off. We shall see just how good this defense is.

6 pm Div 2 5A

(15-0) Aledo Bearcats vs (14-1) Calallen Wildcats...

Play Aledo / Calallen Under 62'....2 units..WIN (Final: Aledo 24 - Calallen 16).....*Aledo is a state powerhouse, undefeated, and body slamming anyone who gets in their way. They are no doubt the better team, however, there are a couple of intangibles that need to be included in the final analysis.

Everyone likes a feel good story, and with the Wildcats thats what we have. Coach Phil Danaher is in his 33 year at the school and during that time, he has managed to put together a resume that includes the most wins than any other in Texas High School history. Yet, he has never won the whole enchilada. His one trip to the title game resulted in a 28-0 loss..... His team would like nothing better than to get him a W. Coach Danaher is seeking his 433rd win tonight, he is currently 432-107-4. The program is a bit old fashioned and runs the Wing-T, with a very aggressive defense despite being outsized on the D line. This game amounts to Old School vs New School.....

Aledo is the #1 ranked team in the their Division. Their Coach, Steve Wood reached the title game in his first season with the Bearcats. Aledo has 6 state titles..... 5 since 2009,they are becoming a dynasty. Their offense averages 57.3 ppg while allowing 18...the D is impressive racking up 51 sacks w/20 Ints. Aledo has been one of the best programs in the state over the past decade..... The Oline is monstrous and has 2- 4 star recruits. 1 going to TCU and the other undecided. They roll through opponents with a very capable backfield... in fact, they have 6 players with more than 900 yards this season. Aledos offense averages 302 rush yards per game.... with 252 pass yards... While they prefer to keep it on the turf, they will throw to keep the defense honest. QB Dillon Davis has 45 TDs this season. He has thrown for 3,695 yards. Aiding the effort is a FROSH RB Jake McClellan who has rushed for 1,430 yards w/19 TDs.


Calallen will try to run the ball nearly every down out of the misdirection of the Wing-T. Of course, when they do throw its usually the Waggle which is designed to get the 1st down, seldom a home run hit. Calallen lost their 2nd game of the season, but since then have won 13 straight; including a 31-30 win last week against previously unbeaten College Station. The strength is the running game which has scored 66 out of 76 TDs this year. They average 38.3 ppg. The team is a surprise since as they are the 15th ranked team in the division. QB Gaige Lamb has 23 rushing TDs on the year. He is the 2nd leading rusher with 1,316 yards behind RB Soph Alec Brown who has 1,596 yards w/19 TDs. The team rushes for 313 ypg.....while only throwing it for 58 passing ypg. Hardly an exciting aerial show.

Calallen isn't particularly big or fast upfront, but they do practice top techniques. Once again, they will give everything they have to bring their Hall of Fame Coach a W and the schools first State Title. It's a feel good story... however, Aledo won't be very accommodating with their Div 1 Linemen opening holes for the running game. Still, the Wildcats best kept secret is their Defense which capitalize on turnovers and get 11 men to the ball. No telling how many Wing-T offenses the Bearcats have seen this year... But, a well run Wing-T can cause problems if they have never seen it. That coupled with a defense that only allows a measly 8.1 points per game and I think this one stays Under. I won't go so far to call the upset, but Aledo -19 is a lot of points... If I decide to put a shekel on Calallen I'll let you know... Gl.

 

[Riff-Raff]

Add..... CA Championship.. SAC ST FRI

Sorry, running late, heading to Sac St to watch 2 CA Bowl Games: North vs South...

(13-1) Valley Christian Warriors (San Jose) vs (12-2) Madison Warhawks..

Madison/Valley Christian Under 50....3 units..WIN (Final: Madison 21 VCHS 17)......hope I didn't make the number go down...

This is the 1st CIF State Final Championship for VC. Defensively the Warriors have surrendered 23 points in 4 playoff games. In last week's contest against a very good Cardinal Newman team the offense was held to 6 points.

Madison won the Div 3 Championship in 2012. Madison QB is very talented, Terrell Carter has passed for 2,653 yards w/32 TDs. RB Eric Buchanan has rushed for 1, 580 yards w/15 TDs. They run a fast paced no - huddle Spread w/ 4 receivers.

Valley Christian is a little old fashioned and run the Wing-T with 2 Rbs sharing the duties and combined for 2,233 yards and 27 TDs...

I think the total is a bit skewed as Madison won last week's game 60-52,however that game was in OT and VC hasn't allowed more than 13 points in any game since September 30. Cardinal Newman was averaging 45 points a game, but again held to 6. They have shut down some very impressive offenses this year.

*Lastly, it rained cats and dogs all afternoon and last night on the Sac St field. The turf is known for slow drain and its kinda cold, could be a little slippery despite the weather clearing up this morning and we have had some sun....

Play the Under..... Lean to VC +3....gl

Back with the St Mary's and Cathedral Catholic pick...

 

[Riff-Raff]

Heading below 40 degrees here at Hornets Stadium...... On closer review the Turf appears ok, just the cold that the So Cal teams need to adjust to, but they are kids so......

Tonight 8 pm Div 1 - AA

(14-1) St Mary's Rams vs (14-0) Cathedral Catholic Dons.....

Play Cathedral Catholic +5' and Under 73'.......2 units each...WIN (Final: CC 38 - St Mary's 35)...

Perhaps it's being at the game and hoping to see some fireworks on the field.... I dunno... But, St Mary's comes in averaging 53 ppg and 477.3 total yards a game. The have scored 40+ (5X), 50+ (4X) and 60+ (5X)..... Of course the only time this offense sputtered was when the Rams traveled to Bellflower to play St John Bosco and walked away humbled... Or so I think. Last week St Mary's won a shootout with with Freedom 49-40 in the No Cal Championship. QB Jake Dunniway (Ivy League possibility) has completed 193 of 284 passes for 3,651 yards w/42 TDs. *He does have 8 ints to be concerned about. Rb Dusty Frampton has rushed for 226 times for 2,176 yards w/41 TDs. He averages an outstanding 9.6 yards per carry. Last week, he had 359 yards w/5 TDs. The top WR is Dewey Cotton (70 catches for 1,119 yards) *He better get comfortable tonight as he is going to Sac St...... Also, WR Keaton Hampton (Brothers) has 44 catches for 1,084 yards......

Cathedral beat Harbor City Narbonne last week 35-28 to win the So Cal Title. QB Tate Haynes (Boston College bound) has 2,290 yards (1,652 yards passing)... Rb Shawn Poma has 138 carries for 1,268 yards w/17 TDs. RB Adam Eastwood has 148 carries for 915 yards.

Cathedral last played for a State Title in 2008...they beat St Mary's 37-34. The only holdovers from that game are the HC T. Franks of the Rams and S. Doyle of CC...... The two have been good friends for decades.

*The record for yards passing is held by a QB from St Mary's in 2008 with 3,874 yards....... Tonight Jake Dunniway has 3,651 yards... Needs 224 yards to pass him...

With the stats I presented you might think I would be on the OVER, a couple of reasons I'm on the Under.... The weather is a bit frigid and San Diego team will need to adjust. Also, St Mary's has been in finals week. They took 2 yesterday afternoon and 2 this morning..... The kids are a bit worn out psychologically. It is a may take a half to wake up. Cathedral is coming all the way from San Diego by bus, so there's that. Really, I think CC will be happy running the ball tonight and try to stay close in the 4th quarter...... 73 is a little high... Gl whatever you do!

 

[Donsbaseball]

Heading below 40 degrees here at Hornets Stadium...... On closer review the Turf appears ok, just the cold that the So Cal teams need to adjust to, but they are kids so......

Tonight 8 pm Div 1 - AA

(14-1) St Mary's Rams vs (14-0) Cathedral Catholic Dons.....

Play Cathedral Catholic +5' and Under 73'.......2 units each.

Perhaps it's being at the game and hoping to see some fireworks on the field.... I dunno... But, St Mary's comes in averaging 53 ppg and 477.3 total yards a game. The have scored 40+ (5X), 50+ (4X) and 60+ (5X)..... Of course the only time this offense sputtered was when the Rams traveled to Bellflower to play St John Bosco and walked away humbled... Or so I think. Last week St Mary's won a shootout with with Freedom 49-40 in the No Cal Championship. QB Jake Dunniway (Ivy League possibility) has completed 193 of 284 passes for 3,651 yards w/42 TDs. *He does have 8 ints to be concerned about. Rb Dusty Frampton has rushed for 226 times for 2,176 yards w/41 TDs. He averages an outstanding 9.6 yards per carry. Last week, he had 359 yards w/5 TDs. The top WR is Dewey Cotton (70 catches for 1,119 yards) *He better get comfortable tonight as he is going to Sac St...... Also, WR Keaton Hampton (Brothers) has 44 catches for 1,084 yards......

Cathedral beat Harbor City Narbonne last week 35-28 to win the So Cal Title. QB Tate Haynes (Boston College bound) has 2,290 yards (1,652 yards passing)... Rb Shawn Poma has 138 carries for 1,268 yards w/17 TDs. RB Adam Eastwood has 148 carries for 915 yards.

Cathedral last played for a State Title in 2008...they beat St Mary's 37-34. The only holdovers from that game are the HC T. Franks of the Rams and S. Doyle of CC...... The two have been good friends for decades.

*The record for yards passing is held by a QB from St Mary's in 2008 with 3,874 yards....... Tonight Jake Dunniway has 3,651 yards... Needs 224 yards to pass him...

With the stats I presented you might think I would be on the OVER, a couple of reasons I'm on the Under.... The weather is a bit frigid and San Diego team will need to adjust. Also, St Mary's has been in finals week. They took 2 yesterday afternoon and 2 this morning..... The kids are a bit worn out psychologically. It is a may take a half to wake up. Cathedral is coming all the way from San Diego by bus, so there's that. Really, I think CC will be happy running the ball tonight and try to stay close in the 4th quarter...... 73 is a little high... Gl whatever you do!

Cathedral flew in a plane today.
No bus.
Should be a great game!!

 

[Riff-Raff]

Cathedral flew in a plane today.
No bus.
Should be a great game!!

Good info... Thanks, I'm still liking the Under.... It's kinda cold.....

Madison wins 21 to 17..... Good game and it stayed Under...

 

[Riff-Raff]

Cathedral flew in a plane today.
No bus.
Should be a great game!!

Actually its nice to know someone is reading this drivel.... Gl

 

[Riff-Raff]

Well I'm finally thawed out from the game at Sac St. A few people didn't really prepare for the cold front we are seeing.... Awesome HSF game. The last 3 minutes was dizzying... I had a couple of units on the Under 73' and with 3 minutes left on was sitting pretty then the onslaught happened. Back and forth. CC wins on a walk off field goal, and I win the Under by the hook. When they tied it at 35 all, I pretty much gave up on my Under, definitely got lucky there...

Way too much handicapping going on this weekend with College Bowls, College Hoops (Men and Women's), Pro Football and of course, my Degen HSF plays...... Simply don't have time for the write ups so I apologize...

For Saturday.... HSF Plays thus far..

10 am Div 1 5A

(13-2) Highland Scots vs (12-3) Temple Wildcats....

Play Temple/Highland Over 38....2 units..LOSS (Final: Highland 17 - Temple 7)(just bad capping on my part here.... Got way to cute) .*Temple is the higher ranked team in the division. They average 32.8 ppg and allow 20.9....In their last 2 games they have sent home 2 unbeaten teams. Their last trip to the title game was in 1992. They are on a 6 game winning streak. If the game is close near the end, I give the nod to Temple as it has experience in close contests, with 6 of 8 (starting with a 48-45 win over Waco), the games have been decided by 7 points or less. In last week's game, they won 31-24...QB Reid Hesse had 360 yards passing (he has 3,626 yards with 23 TDs). WR D'Yonte Heckstall has 61 receptions for 1,053 yards w/6 TDs. Temple is 2-6 all time in the state championship. In 2014 it lost to Aledo 49-45.

Highland won last week 31-24. JR WR Paxton Alexander ran in 4 TDs. He was filling in for their top 2 RBs who are injured and probably won't play, but the Coach is keeping that info on ice. This school is playing almost a home game as its from Dallas. The school is seeking its 4th State Title,and the first since 2005. Last week the blue blood program won its all time 800th win. The QB that brought home the trophy in 2005 was the starting QB for the Detroit Lions, Matt Stafford. Highland Head Coach Randy Allen is in his 36th year coaching. He has been a Scot since 1999, and is well respected and his teams have never had more than 2 losses...... **Note: Perhaps the player with the most pressure is the QB for Highland John Stephen Jones who has a respectable 3,017 yards with 30 TDs.... also has 7 ints. Obviously he has a high pedigree and he may someday inheriting the Stadium he is trying to bring home a championship in.... as Jerry Jones his grandpa and father, Stephen Jones a COO.

What this really comes down to is the Defenses for both teams.... Temple has DE Taquon Graham (signed with Texas) a 4 star recruit and is in the Top 30 of Texas High School Football Players.....Highland has 3 LBS that love the challenge of shutting down opponents.. The trio of Bennett Brock, John House, and Matt Gahm create havoc all over the field and are often allowed to coast. Brock is the leading tackler followed by House then Gahm (all 3 have some interest from Div 1 schools) These 3 have combined for 368 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 9 forced fumbles and 3 ints. The teams Noseguard is Turner Coxe is a healthy 250 lb stalwart in the middle that often requires a double team from the opponents. He has 16 tackles for loss of 6 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles.

Why I'm on the Over? These 2 teams are 2 of 4 of the winningest high school football programs. While their Defense often get the press, the offenses are more than capable of putting up points on the scoreboard. What Highland lacks in overall Div 1 talent, they make up for in discipline, tradition, and leadership on the field..... I just think these 2 can break the posted total of 38...at least I hope.. Gl

 

[3 putt pete]

Actually its nice to know someone is reading this drivel.... Gl

Yours is actually one of just a handful of threads that I always check. Awesome job.

 

[jamulboy]

Yours is actually one of just a handful of threads that I always check. Awesome job.

Me too, keep it up and thanks!

 

[Riff-Raff]

Thanks guys! It helps to know that I'm not the only one who enjoys HSF..... Onward! I'm still thawing from last night's game. Was going to try and make all the games today, however, I'm not sure I can continue handicapping basketball and college football bowls, so we shall see. Definitely planning to be at the Bosco / DeLaSalle game.... Will have a strong play a little later.....
*Heart goes out to the kids from St Mary's as they left it all on the field and should be proud of the effort. Cathedral came from behind and made the plays down the stretch. Awesome game....



Sat..

12 pm Div 2 - AA

(15-0) Sierra Canyon Trailblazers vs (10-4) Serra Padres...

Play Serra +6 over Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)... 2 units...Win (Final: Sierra Canyon 42 - Serra 40) .. And 2 units on the Under 70'....Loss .. *Something about the Chatsworth name gets my goat... Just comes across rather high falutin if you ask me (which your not) but, just sayin'..

Sierra Canyon trying to keep their perfect season..... This is a showdown between the private schools. Sierra is seeking their 2nd state title. In fact, of the 6 teams playing today.... Sierra Canyon is the only undefeated team. RB Sr Joshua Cole will be the one with the bullseye on his jersey. He leads the team on the ground, with 2,156 yards w/30 TDs. Now to the skinny on the Trailblazers....... They have tempted fate in the playoffs with a severe test during their run to Sac with a 2 OT win over Corona Del Mar in the South Section Div 4 and a Triple OT Win over Redondo Union 41-34 in the quarterfinals. In last week's game the Defense showed up and shut down Los Angeles 21-6. Also, Cole has 4 consecutive triple figures rushing in the playoffs. You can bet, that the Trailblazers will again strap their fortunes on Coles back and their bend don't break Defense. On offense Sierra averages 36.5 ppg while allowing 16.4 ppg. Sierra Canyon WR Dylan Tait is an effective team leader and has 45 catches for 948 yards with 9 TDs. Also, in last week's game against LA the defense came up big with 4 picks.

People are questioning how Serra came to be in the position to win a state title with 4 losses. It's a good question. However, looking at the opponents, the 4 losses included Valley Christian by 7, St Mary's by 28, Pittsburgh by 21, and DeLaSalle by 34. All 4 top notch with 2 playing this weekend in different divisions. The offense will only be as good as their dual threat QB Leki Nunn will carry them. He is a sick athlete that had 6 TDs accounted for in last week's game against Sanger (4 rush, 2 by air).... Serra is clearly battle tested and riding a 10 game winning streak to be here. Serra averages 38.1 ppg and allows 27.5 overall and however, if you detract the first 4 games, they average 17.2 on defense...... In last week's shoot out with Sanger, Nunn had 2 passes for 50+ yard TDs. The final score was 49-36. Serra hasn't lost since September 23rd.

Finally, if we factor in Serras first 4 to State powers and include Sierra Canyons OT....... Then the numbers get a little skewed....... I think think Serra can hang here as Nunn is an outstanding athlete that will test Sierras secondary and D. He can will them to keep pace. Also, a lot of people expect a shoot out, but again, adjust the numbers and the Total is way too high...... 70' will be tuff to get to the especially with this cold front we are experiencing..... *I was just outside and it has warmed up considerably since this morning. Still I like the Under and the Points in this one... Gl

 

[Riff-Raff]

Well since 2 of the bowl games today include Sun Belt teams, I think I'll stick with the HSF games today..... Better football..

2 pm Div 2 6A..

(14-1) Steele Knights (Cibolo) vs (15-0) Desoto Eagles..... Played 2 units on Steele +5'.....LOSS (Final: Desoto 38 - Steele 29)..and Over 64'.....2 units...WIN.. *I know I tend to play the Under in these match ups and perhaps I'm way off base here, but there is an awful lot of firepower on the field in this one, and I think it may be played in the 30's.... Also, the points may come in handy as these 2 have a history: In 2015 Steele won 35-34 and 2014 Desoto won 29-26..... Those who don't know their History are doomed to repeat it, or something of that nature....

Both teams have their share of Div 1 commits and recruits. The 2 most valued are Steele QB Xavier Martin (Texas Tech bound), and across the street Shawn Robinson (TCU bound)... So they will both meet again more than likely.

Desoto QB Robinson has 44 Tds (26 passing) and 4, 437 yards (1,243 yards rushing). Yeah..... He's dual threat (beginning to hate that term) His #1 target is KD Nixon (headed to Colorado) has 62 catches for 1,085 yards. 7 other Desoto players have made College commitments: including, 3 O-line men. Robinson just received the Gatorade Texas HS Player of the year. Steele defense allows 14.8 points per game, however, a lot of the numbers were against inferior competitors. Offensively, the Eagles average 48.1 ppg.

Steele QB Xavier Martin has thrown for 1,992 yards.... He will fit in nicely at T Tech. He has 20 Tds thrown. He is also a very dangerous runner. His top 2 receivers are CJ Williams and Onyx Smith who have combined for 119 catches and 16 scores. In Steele's first Varsity season in 2006, they went 3-7. Since that time the Knights have a combined record of 126-17. The offense averages 38.3 ppg. Desoto D allows 21.6 ppg so there are some cracks. In the playoffs Steele has held opponents to 8.4 ppg so they have really stepped it up. Steele RB Brendan Brady has rushed for 1,561 yards w/20 Tds.

This contest is what Friday Night Lights tried to emulate. Desoto beat Cedar Hill twice (at one time was ranked in the top 10 Nationally. Now, Desoto is ranked #10 in the Nation. Steele is ranked 92nd. Still, throw out the numbers.... This one could very well be decided by a field goal when all is said and done... This should be a fun one to watch..also, an interesting side note is that Steele's only loss was to Div 1 Lake Travis in the Championship behind this one.... 59-56 in OT. There is a lot of bad blood simmering in this one after Desoto made a rap song calling Steele out.... I have no clue why coaches allow their teams to give the opponents dart board fodder, especially in such an important game....Desoto had to come from behind in both of their last 2 playoff games. The USA TODAY has their computer predictor backing Desoto by 7......what do computers know. Gl