Featured Games : Servite vs. Millikan

The records--Servite 8-2, Millikan 5-4.

The site--Millikan High in Long Beach.

The conference--Big Five.

Servite update--The Friars were once Orange County’s No.-1 team, but have lost two straight and find themselves in the playoffs as the No. 3 entry from the Angelus League. Servite came within five points of being undefeated, but also came within 33 seconds of losing to St. Paul and finishing fourth in league. Servite’s offense, led by quarterback Tim Rosenkranz, is one-dimensional. Rosenkranz passed for 2,289 yards and 9 touchdowns. Tailback Derek Noggle had his--and Servite’s--only 100-yard game when he gained 152 yards against a Bishop Montgomery team that won only once in league. Critical penalties, particularly holding calls, have hurt the Friars in their last six games.

Millikan update--The Rams shocked Long Beach Poly, 15-13, to win the Moore League championship and hand the state’s No. 1-ranked team its only loss. Millikan, which utilizes an option attack, averaged 33 points per game in league play and 5.97 yards per play. Quarterback Cliff Mosley completed 90 of 159 attempts for 1,639 yards and 11 touchdowns. His favorite target, wide receiver Ed Robinson, caught 55 passes for 1,122 yards and 9 touchdowns. But Dave Radford, Millikan coach, is not confident about his team’s chances against Servite. “We made somebody’s dream come true by beating Poly and getting the No. 1 entry from our league,” Radford said. “We’re so average. Servite had to be jumping up and down when they found out they had drawn us.”

Key to the Game--Servite has not faced an option team this season and must be careful to contain Millikan’s explosive offense. Millikan will have to avoid a letdown after its upset of Long Beach Poly. The Rams also face the difficult task of trying to contain a Servite attack that has averaged nearly 30 points game.

Consensus--Servite’s playoff experience and strong defense should be enough to beat Millikan in what figures to be a high-scoring game.

Alemany vs. Edison

The records--Alemany (8-2), Edison (8-2).

The site--Sheue Field.

The conference--Big Five.

Alemany update--The Indians upset Loyola last Saturday, 24-21, to tie St. John Bosco for second place in the Del Rey League. They have allowed an average of 7.6 points and 159 yards in total offense per game, but have given up 46 points in their last two games. Alemany’s losses to St. Francis and St. John Bosco came by a total of eight points. Wide receiver Travis Bargeman (25 receptions for 626 yards and 6 touchdowns) may be the team’s most talented athlete. Quarterback Sean Casey has completed 73 of 165 passes for 1,377 yards and 13 touchdowns, but has thrown 12 interceptions. Dennis Mason is the Indians’ leading rusher with 154 carries for 671 yards and 5 touchdowns. Alemany has shown a knack for making the big play on defense. The winning touchdown against Loyola came on a 69-yard interception return by Pat Aragon with 6:51 to play.

Edison update--Since opening Sunset League play with a 24-14 loss to Westminster, the Chargers have won four straight and have outscored their opponents, 131-47, including last week’s surprising 51-14 rout of Marina. “The last three weeks, we’ve been getting that 5% better each week,” said Bill Workman, Edison coach. “This is a good time of year to be doing that.” Workman said before the season that sophomore tailback Kaleaph Carter would not play a key role in the Chargers’ offense. Carter’s regular-season statistics of 173 carries for 802 yards and 10 touchdowns belie Workman’s prediction. “He doesn’t look like a sophomore anymore,” Workman said. Quarterback Mike Angelovic quietly became Orange County’s top-rated passer, completing 100 of 164 passes for 1,658 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has 4 interceptions. Wide receiver Rick Justice enters the playoffs with 38 catches for 65 yards and 9 touchdowns. Tight end Ken Griggs, bothered by injuries at midseason, has caught 9 passes for 137 yards in the last two games.

Key to the game--Alemany’s ability to slow Angelovic and the Edison passing game. The Indians have complied impressive defensive statistics, but they played a relatively weak nonleague schedule. Edison will provide a tougher test.

Consensus--History favors Edison. In 1979, the Chargers won the Big Five championship after losing their league opener and entering the playoffs with two losses. The Chargers may not have the talent for a repeat performance, but they’re heavily favored tonight.

Los Altos vs. Capistrano Valley

The records--Los Altos 7-2-1; Capistrano Valley 8-1-1.

The site--Cougar Stadium.

The conference--Southern.

Los Altos update--The Conquerors won the Southern Conference title in 1982 with Mike Smith at quarterback, and are quarterbacked this year by Smith’s brother, Mark. He has completed 126 of 236 attempts for 1,347 yards and 8 touchdowns. He passed for 255 yards in a 15-14 win over West Covina that gave Los Altos the playoff berth. Tight end Will Harris (6-3, 210) and wide receiver Steve Peters (6-5, 215) have both caught 33 passes. Tailback Jim Jastrab returned to the lineup last week after breaking his ankle in nonleague play. Linebacker Ken Lopez anchors a defense that has allowed an average of only 10.4 points per game.

Capistrano Valley update--Quarterback Scott Stark established himself as Orange County’s all-time, single-season passing leader last week in a 38-0 romp over El Camino Real. Stark has thrown for 2,706 yards and 27 touchdowns, averaging 270.6 yards per game. He can move ahead of former Los Altos quarterback Rob Hertel as the Southern Section’s fifth all-time passer in a single season with 119 yards tonight. Nathan Call has been outstanding as both a receiver and a defensive back. He has caught 66 passes for 842 yards and 13 touchdowns and intercepted 5 passes. Defensively, the Cougars have limited six opponents to one touchdown or less.

Key to the game--Los Altos’ passing game is predicated on ball control; Capistrano Valley strikes with the big play. The Conquerors must maintain a consistent pass rush on Stark, and Capistrano Valley must avoid the critical turnover that has plagued it in big games.

Consensus--It will likely be a marathon game with the teams combining for 80 passes. Capstrano Valley has more speed, but don’t be surprised if Los Altos scores an upset.