So, about the 5-4 team to make a run (WHICH IS THE TOPIC OF THIS THREAD, BY THE WAY)...
St Laurence can absolutely play with anyone in 5A. Their 4 losses:
1. JCA by 1 on the road. Up by 9 at half, lost the lead, punched it in with little time left, went for 2, came up short.
2. 56-28 After a forgettable 1st quarter (21-0), the Vikings went blow for blow with Naz, putting 28 up on them. It was a two score game in the 3rd quarter. The last TD was garbage time after StL went for a 4th and 10 from their own 10. If they met again, i think it would be a closer game. The only other team to hang with Naz was Marist.
3. Benet by 4 at home. Missed two field goals, and was 0-5 on red zone trips. Lots of missed opportunities, but StL moved the ball a ton.
4. Providence by 1 on the road. Repeat final of the JCA game, punched it in with under a minute left, went for 2, came up short.
Won the TOP battle in all losses. Averaged more than 5 minutes more TOP in all games. Closest game TOP wise was Naz (big plays by a nationally ranked QB, Naz didn't need to hold the ball).
Hillcrest will be a tremendous test. If Rita or Sterling make it to the quarters, we'll likely host it if we get there. We're 7-0-2 ATS in CalPreps {9-0 if you make the home team lay three more). This team is gelling at the right time. This team is ripe for a run.