When a City Section team defeats a team from the Southern Section, it’s usually a big deal. When a City Section team defeats three Southern Section powers, in consecutive weeks no less, it’s a huge deal.
Narbonne (5-0) completed that feat with a one-point win over Mater Dei (4-1) last Friday, 18-17. For the Monarchs, it’s their first loss of the season heading into Trinity League play.
Speaking of the Trinity League, with the season-ending injury to Santa Margarita (5-0) quarterback, Johnny Stanton, St. John Bosco (1-4) steps into position as the favorite to win the league. If they’re able to do so it could mean Servite’s run of seven consecutive league titles would be snapped, barring a tie.
The Braves (1-4) will take on Orange Lutheran (5-0) in the Game of the Week on Friday at 7:30 p.m.. on FOX Sports West. Last week, St. John Bosco went to Utah and defeated the top team in the state, Jordan, 34-33. That’s the most points the Braves have given up all year and the first time they’ve allowed an opponent to reach double digits.
St. John Bosco sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen has a seven-touchdown game under his belt this season and his top target A.J. Holman is averaging 15 yards a catch. Tight end Nick Lehman scored the eventual game-winning touchdown in Utah last week.
“They’re like a video game,” said Orange Lutheran first-year head coach Chuck Petersen.
As for Servite, St. Paul was exactly what they needed to get their offense on track. After switching offensive coordinators and then being shutout in consecutive weeks, Servite (2-3) scored 38 points in their 38-6 win over the Swordsmen (1-4). It’s not going to get any easier for St. Paul. Chad Kanoff and Harvard Westlake (4-1) come to town Friday for the Mission League opener.
The two favorites in the Mission League will face off in the opening week when Serra (4-1) visits the blue turf of Chaminade (4-1). Terrell Newby ran for over 230 yards in the Eagles win over Notre Dame. Serra is coming off of a bye.
Not to be confused with the Cavs, the Serra League will be another gauntlet. Right out of the gate, two 6-0 teams will meet when Loyola takes on Crespi this Friday. It should be noted, Loyola picked up a win after St. John Bosco was forced to forfeit their first four wins of the season. On the field, the Braves defeated the Cubs 45-0.
Notre Dame (4-2) got off to a strong start this season as well before that loss to Chaminade.
Don’t look now, but since suffering that season-opening loss to St. Bonaventure, Corona Centennial (4-1) has won four straight. The Huskies nearly hung 70 on Etiwanda with a 68-14 win.
Will the Real Poly Please Stand Up?
Long Beach Poly (3-3, 2-0 Moore League) and head coach Raul Lara have been the subject of much criticism this season, especially after the 56-0 drumming they suffered at the hands of Narbonne, but the Jackrabbits are 2-0 in the Moore League. It’s a league they’ve flat out owned. And a league that flat out has seen better days. However, maybe the Jackrabbits have found a recipe - running the ball. Poly rushed for 274 yards, led by 181 yards by Washington State commit Gerard Wicks, and played strong defense in a 28-6 win over Long Beach Jordan.
“The O-line was blocking their butts off,” Wicks told the Press-Telegram. “Our job was easy.”
This week, Poly faces Lakewood (5-1, 2-0 Moore League) in a rivalry game.
299 and Counting…
The all-time winningest coach in Orange County is knocking on the door of a milestone.
Los Alamitos’ 42-7 win over Damien on Friday marked win No. 299 for head coach John Barnes. He’ll go for No. 300 when the Griffins (4-1) open Sunset League play on Thursday against Marina (3-2).
Week 5 Top Performers:
Aliso Niguel (5-1) quarterback Nathan Cole passed for a school record 491 yards and seven touchdowns in a win over Woodbridge (2-3).
Tahquitz (4-1) running back Jonte Price rushed for 231 yards and needed only 13 carries to do so. He found the endzone four times to ruin Temecula Valley’s (1-4) Homecoming, 54-21.
Chaminade running back Terrell Newby carried the ball 34 times for 233 yards and four touchdowns in the Eagles’ win over Notre Dame.
