Tidbits for Week 2

The big game this week in many minds is De La Salle vs Don Bosco Prep in NJ. While that game is a very big game, there is a game at 5:00 pm on Saturday that is huge. Cardinal Newman travels to Folsom High School to take on Central Catholic in a game that could very well determine who will represent Northern California in Decembers CIF Bowl Game. You have to tip your hat to both coaches for making this an annual affair between the two powerhouses.

Both teams come in ranked behind St. Mary's of Stockton, however since Central Catholic will play St. Mary's on October 9th that makes this game that much more important. This makes the Division III bowl picture pretty clear. As in the past with much debate in Division I and II with the contenders not playing each other, the three top ranked teams all have common opponents and thus makes the bowl selection a bit clearer.

In other games Novato will take on another Foothill this week when they host Foothill of Pleasanton. This rivalry has been going on for several years and in the past has helped Novato with it's bowl chances. It should be a great game.

Granite Bay and Pittsburg will also clear up some of the Northern California division I rankings as both teams are ranked in the top 5 by Cal Hi Sports. Since Grant and Granite Bay could meet in the playoffs as well as Pitt and DLS then the Division I picture could definitely be clarified. The Bowl playoffs appears to have prompted teams to travel outside of their section such as the Northern Section teams as well as many NCS teams traveling to the SJS. We shall see what happens tonight.

Let me know your thoughts.

What's the biggest upset?

Well after a weekend of high school sports in Northern California there were some upsets, redemption wins and a few surprises. First off the game with the most anticipation was De La Salle vs. Serra. The game was a hard fought battle with the Spartans coming out on top by an unimpressive 14-7 win. Probably the biggest upset/surprise was Palma's loss to Spanish Springs of Sparks Nevada. Palma came in ranked #4 by CalHiSports.com in their first Division III bowl game rankings and since they are behind St. Mary's, Cardinal Newman and Central Catholic this might have already ended thier bowl hopes. Washington of Fremont squeaked by California High School 30-28 in what many considered an upset. (Click HERE for all the weekend scores)

Paradise from the Northern Section avenged thier loss last year to Pitman with a 48-15 pounding. Other teams that served notice were St. Francis of Mountain View who shut out perenial power Oak Grove 35-0. Also Grant who is coming off their CIF State Championship served notice that they will be around to repeat with a 42-0 win over Montgomery.

This year also served as a first for Valley Christian of Dublin who won thier first game as a varsity squad with a 41-8 win over Cochrane from Alberta Canada. Coach John Parrella set up his team with an incredibly tough schedule as the Vikings look to make some noise in the North Coast Section this year.

Next week should see the same as last week with many of the Northern California teams playing tough non-league schedules in order to enhance thier CIF bowl berth hopes.

What games this next week do you think might be prime for an upset? e-mail me at: james@usaprepscores.com with your picks.