Football: Paraclete is looking forward to temperature in the 40s

Home-field advantage is going to come in handy for Lancaster Paraclete, which plays Chula Vista Mater Dei on Friday night in a CIF state Division 3-AA bowl game at Antelope Valley College.

The temperature is projected to be in the 40s. About the only people who will be warm and comfortable will be the ones sitting in the heated press box.

“I’m mad,” Coach Dean Herrington said. “It’s still too warm.”

Paraclete surged to win the Southern Section Division 6 title.

The Spirits have a standout linebacker in K.J. Latu, who has 92 tackles, including four sacks.

Sophomore running back Jamaal Bell keeps getting better and better. He has 1,187 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns. Quarterback Tooni Ikahihfo has passed for more than 3,000 yards.

Mater Dei is 12-1, with its only loss coming to City Section Division II team Hawkins. Standout running back C.J. Verdell is committed to Oregon.

If Paraclete wins, it will host next Saturday’s state championship game. And the weather will be even colder.

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