As part of the first week of the Central Coast Section playoffs, Prep2Prep will be previewing each playoff bracket, releasing our previews throughout the week. This feature focuses on the Open Division I bracket.
OVERVIEW
No. 2 seed San Benito hosts MBAL-Gabilan rival Salinas in the opening round and is expected to win as they scored an 18-7 triumph over Salinas on October 4. The Haybalers have the seventh-ranked offense in CCS averaging 33.1 points a game and sit third in CCS with 275.5 yards per game rushing. They also boast a stellar defense also, having complied 30 sacks and 13 INTs and allowing only 159 points.
A Balers win would likely set up a public school clash with SCVAL-De Anza powerhouse Milpitas in Round 2. Milpitas has the tools to run through to the title game, having suffered only two harrowing SCVAL De Anza losses, setting them back in power points. The Trojans boast a powerful aerial attack averaging almost 200 yards per game in the air - with the Bracy-to-Bracy threat, though their defense shines bright - having allowed only 122 points. The Trojans are third in CCS with 34 sacks and fifth in CCS with 15 INTs.
Menlo-Atherton will likely host WCAL power Bellarmine - barring a Wilcox upset. The Bears lead the CCS in scoring - averaging 40.5 points per game and are second in the CCS in rushing (289.2 yards/game) and are also averaging over 150 yards passing per game. They also have a stout defense leading the CCS with 18 INTs and also having 30 sacks. In order to reach the finals, the Bears would likely need to avenge a 34-21 loss at Bellarmine on Aug. 21. Bellarmine has a stellar defense and seems to always do just enough to get tough wins and we expect the Bells to reach the final round - but this division is stacked with four of the top offenses in the CCS with Milpitas, Wilcox, Menlo-Atherton and San Benito. This division will likely see some of the wildest outcomes and several down-to-the-wire action.
Click here for the full printable bracket.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Santa Teresa RB Kyree Harish, Milpitas QB Tyree Bracy, Milpitas WR Tariq Bracy, Salinas QB Brett Reade, Salinas RB Richard Cerda, Salinas WR Cooper Smith, San Benito RB Hunter Nye, San Benito LB Michael Camacho, San Benito CB Isaac Regalado, Piedmont Hills QB Alex Garcia, Piedmont Hills WR Richard Fedelin
Bellarmine RB Brendan Manigo, Bellarmine RB Austin Ajiake, Wilcox QB David Hernandez, Wilcox RB Richard Herrera, Wilcox RB Isaiah Chavez, Menlo-Atherton QB Aajon Johnson, Menlo-Atherton RB Jordan Mims, Menlo-Atherton LB Christian Wiseman.
SLEEPER TEAM
Wilcox, coming out off a bye should be well-rested as they travel to No. 1 seed Menlo-Atherton. The Chargers' three-pronged rushing attack led the CCS by over 70 yards per game (367.3 rush yards/game. The Chargers were hindered by turnovers and key mistakes and have tremendous depth. They ranked fifth overall in CCS in scoring averaging 36.3 points per game. The Chargers were defeated at San Benito 45-30 on September 6.
TITLE GAME PREDICTION
San Benito over Bellarmine
