In the first week of the playoffs, we previewed the lower four divisions across the North Coast Section. This week, we preview the Open Division, which did not play last week, and Division I, which had just two games played in the first week of the post-season.
Last week’s first-round saw Vintage roll past James Logan, 36-0, in the eight versus nine game, lending some credibility to the inaugural Vine Valley Athletic League crown which was captured by the Crushers this year. Meanwhile, seven seed San Leandro held off Dougherty Valley, 24-21, meaning that the top eight seeds will meet in this week’s quarterfinals.
OVERVIEW
Despite finishing in fourth place of the Bay Valley Athletic League, including a loss to Freedom, Antioch garnered the top spot in a difficult bracket to seed. The Panthers had the best win of any team in this field, knocking off Clayton Valley during non-league play, and also handed California its only non-league defeat. However, Antioch not only lost to Freedom, but lost by 52 points to league champion Liberty. So while the Panthers are the top seed, this bracket could be completely up for grabs.
California earned the second seed by virtue of wins against Freedom and San Ramon Valley, which finished the regular season with a win over rival Monte Vista, one which likely knocked the Mustangs from the top spot. Freedom’s win over San Ramon Valley, along with its victory against Antioch, locked in the three seed for the Falcons, who finished the regular season with a pair of high-octane wins over Heritage and Deer Valley. San Ramon Valley’s win over Monte Vista set the pecking order for seeds four and five, and these district rivals will face each other again in the quarterfinals.
After finishing in second place in the EBAL-Valley, Amador Valley was a logical choice for the six seed, but the Dons will be a scary first round opponent for Freedom. Despite playing in different leagues, these programs have some history. Freedom eliminated Amador Valley last year, getting out to a fast start and an early 21-point lead against the Dons.
Their previous meeting, a non-league game in 2015, had a thrilling finish. After Amador Valley scored to take a late lead, with under 30 seconds remaining in the game, Freedom responded by scoring on a long hook-and-ladder play to win the game in stunning fashion. And while these teams have split their past four meetings, the first meeting holds some significance as well. That game, played in 2001, ended in a 31-13 Amador Valley victory, a game in which the star of the night was a Dons’ senior who collected two interceptions and scored on a long 77-yard touchdown reception. His name is Ryan Partridge, and he is now head coach at Liberty.
As the seven seed, San Leandro will travel to California. The Grizzlies have won both meetings between the programs, who have not faced each other since 2008. Meanwhile, eight seed Vintage heads to Antioch, after standout running back Viliami Schaumkel scored four times and the defense shut down James Logan in the first round victory for the Crushers’ first playoff win in 32 years. Now, they face an Antioch which has had a couple weeks to rest some bodies and get healthy for a playoff run, as the Panthers seek to reach the title game for the second time in three seasons.
For a complete printable bracket, click here.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Antioch QB Willem Karnthong, Antioch RB Jaysn Wade, Antioch WR/DB Gaudie Campbell, Antioch TE/LB Vinny Ballardo, California ATH Jahmal Cornwell, California RB/LB Caden Jarvis, Antioch RB/LB Julian Iribarren, California RB/DB Adrian Atta, Freedom QB Joey Aguilar, Freedom ATH Giles Jackson, Freedom WR/DB Mekel Ealy, Freedom WR/DB Jaimier Parker, San Ramon Valley RB/LB Tristan Sinclair, San Ramon Valley LB Deuce Palmer, San Ramon Valley DE Beau Garratt, San Ramon Valley WR/DB Clay Facteau
Monte Vista QB Jack Stewardson, Monte Vista WR/DB Nate Rutchena, Monte Vista OL/DL David Hayward, Monte Vista LB Connor Shay, Amador Valley QB/TE Dominick Mazotti, Amador Valley RB Da’jhae Wiltshire, Amador Valley WR/DB Cal Ewanich, Amador Valley WR/KR Korey Russell, San Leandro RB/LB Osaro Aihie, San Leandro TE/LB Jordan Cobbs, San Leandro RB/DB J’kazee Dorrough, San Leandro OL/DL Jorge Diaz, Vintage RB Viliami Schaumkel, Vintage QB Jacob Aaron, Vintage DB Jakob Bittner
SLEEPER TEAM
With Monte Vista seeded in the bottom half of the bracket, the Mustangs would qualify on paper as an upset team to win the title, as teams seeded outside the top four winning titles is exceedingly rare. But with Stewardson at quarterback, and offensive weapons such as Rutchena, Matt Prochaska and Kyle Haener in the passing game, the Mustangs can move the ball and will pose a threat for the crown if they win the rematch with San Ramon Valley. The Monte Vista defense has also been solid all season long.
TITLE GAME PREDICTION
Monte Vista over California
