Sondheimer: Prep football storylines for 2024 | College News

High college football playoffs start Thursday and Friday within the City Section and Southern Section. Here are some story strains to observe.

Unbeaten Newbury Park will get examined

Newbury Park (10-0) is the No. 2 seed in Division 2. The Panthers haven’t confronted a difficult opponent since defeating Long Beach Millikan of their opening recreation. It means the Panthers will need to raise their play to a different stage to advance. Quarterback Brady Smigiel and his best associates are succesful, however their first-round opponent, San Jacinto, led by receiver Daishaun Davis, is best than its 6-3 report signifies. San Jacinto forfeited wins over Culver City and Yorba Linda as a result of of an ineligible participant, so the Tigers could possibly be 9-1.

No. 1 seed doesn’t guarantee victory

Junior receiver Luc Weaver, left, and senior quarterback Steele Pizzella of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

In the competitive-equity playoff system, the No. 1 seed doesn’t imply a lot, particularly from Division 3 by way of Division 14. That’s why when a No. 1 seed goes down within the opening spherical, don’t be shocked. The seeding comes from a pc algorithm after the Southern Section made the choice to take 10 Division 1 groups, then 16 in every to fill the remaining 13 divisions.

For instance, Simi Valley is seeded No. 1 in Division 3, however drawing Sherman Oaks Notre Dame within the opening spherical isn’t precisely an straightforward opponent. The Knights are led by former Simi Valley quarterback Steele Pizzella and have tons of pace.

Bear is out of hibernation

Bear Bachmeier of Murrieta Valley working towards his throwing whereas ready to heal from a knee harm earlier this season.

(Craig Weston)

Murrieta Valley and Santa Margarita are two groups that out of the blue turned totally different with the return of injured gamers. Murrieta Valley was operating the ball whereas ready for quarterback Bear Bachmeier to return. He got here back for the ultimate two regular-season video games, and the Nighthawks proceeded to attain 57 and 56 factors. They’re in Division 2 and to beat them, it would take tons of factors.

Santa Margarita acquired back receivers Trent Mosley and Jonah Smith, so the Eagles will enter their Division 1 playoff recreation towards Inglewood with their best offensive weapons lastly healthy.

There are some video games that shall be so entertaining, they need to hand out free kettle corn.

Downey High junior quarterback Oscar Rios.

(Bejamin Royer / For The Times)

Downey at Gardena Serra will see a lot of scoring fireworks as quarterback Oscar Rios of Downey makes use of his legs and arm attempting to outduel the Cavaliers’ Jimmy Butler.

Oak Hills has been ready weeks to show free operating back Karson Cox, and Oaks Christian presents the right problem, although the Lions have misplaced key gamers on protection to accidents.

If you’re keen on the double wing, then go watch Granada Hills at North Hollywood. The recreation must be completed in much less than 90 minutes as each groups run, run, run. The first staff to move deserves a standing ovation from the gang.

L.A. Jordan shall be saying goodbye to a few years of greatness from operating back David Sandy, who should lead his staff towards top-seeded Arleta within the City Division II playoffs after successful Division III final season. He has rushed for 2,151 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Intriguing matchups

There’s no greater underdog than 10-0 Northview going towards 20-time Southern Section champion Long Beach Poly within the opening spherical of the Division 4 playoffs.

And how about Crespi, the 1986 Division 1 champion, returning to the playoffs for the primary time since 2019 taking up Santa Paula in Division II.

Looking to change its luck

Maybe the luck is altering for Loyola, which has misplaced 4 video games this season within the ultimate seconds however gained a coin flip to be the Mission League’s No. 3 staff and can open its Division 3 recreation towards Tustin. Among the losses: 16-13 in double time beyond regulation to Cathedral; 42-35 to Damien; 42-35 to Gardena Serra when it led 35-14 within the fourth quarter; 35-34 to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame. “We’re overdue for some luck,” coach Drew Casani mentioned. “It’s just mentally staying focused.”

From final to first

A particular commendation goes to Saddleback, which went 0-10 final season, switched leagues, switched coaches and went 6-4 and gained the Zeta League title underneath Rob Thompson. Saddleback is at Westminster La Quinta within the first spherical of the Division 14 playoffs.

Father-son duos

Garfield coach Lorenzo Hernandez and his son, Noah, a beginning offensive lineman.

(Nick Koza)

The City Section has coaches who shall be taking the playoff video games personally as a result of their sons are enjoying. Garfield coach Lorenzo Hernandez has his son, Noah, enjoying offensive guard. Dorsey coach Stafon Johnson has his son, Deuce, enjoying receiver. King/Drew coach Joe Torres has his son, Jahmir, enjoying receiver.