It's semifinal week of the high school football playoffs.
Here's a look at Friday's best matches:
Southern section
DIVISION 1
Mater Dei (8-2) at Corona Centennial (10-1), 7 p.m.
This rematch of the September 12 game won Centennial, 43–36, as Mater Dei committed seven turnovers. Both teams have improved. Mater Dei's defense will try to stop the Huskies' rushing attack. Centennial will have to deal with an exceptional host group from Mater Dei. Choice: Centenary.
Santa Margarita (8-3) vs. Orange Lutheran (3-8) at Orange Coast College, 7 p.m.
Coach Carson Palmer's Eagles have played a tough schedule in Southern California and are one win away from playing in the Rose Bowl. Trent Mosley's versatility combined with a defense that has established itself as number one makes the Eagles a favorite. Orange Lutheran lost to the Eagles 28-7 in the regular season, but they beat St. John Bosco last week after falling 48-0 in the regular season. Choice: Santa Margherita.
City section
OPEN COMPARTMENT
Crenshaw (9-1) vs. Birmingham (8-3), 7 p.m.
Crenshaw's rise continues. The Cougars crushed San Pedro 30-0 in the dirt last week. They have speed and endurance. Birmingham has more offensive versatility than San Pedro and boasts a 55-game winning streak against City Section teams. Choice: Birmingham.
Garfield (9-2) vs. Carson (8-3), 7 p.m.
Garfield's running game will test Carson. Zastic Jauregui rushed for 440 yards last week. The 11-time champion City Colts have the kind of balance with cornerback Chris Fields III that will give Garfield problems. Choice: Carson.
