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Dan Albano previews the top storylines to watch in the CIF-SS football semifinals on Friday, Nov. 21:
1. Can Mater Dei beat another No. 1-ranked opponent to reach the Division 1 championship?
Yes, but it feels like a big ask. The Monarchs seem to have figured out a lot of things on offense and defense but face the No. 1-ranked team in the state in Centennial, according to HSratings.
That’s three consecutive No. 1-ranked opponents for Mater Dei.
The Monarchs rallied to beat St. John Bosco — ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time — in Week 10 for a share of the Trinity League title. In the quarterfinals, they shutout Mission Viejo, ranked No. 1 in O.C. at the time.
Mater Dei could be burning a lot of emotional capital, and are seeking payback against Centennial. The Huskies stunned the Monarchs 43-36 in early September and left the two-time defending Division 1 champion disappointed with its performance.
Mater Dei should get the win but one has to wonder how long it can keep the run going.
And it the Monarchs advance, coach Raul Lara deserves credit for his leadership.
2. Would a win by Orange Lutheran over Santa Margarita be the biggest upset of the night?
Definitely. The Lancers, seeded eighth, turned Division 1 on its head by beating No. 1 St. John Bosco 20-19 in the quarterfinals after losing 48-0 to the Braves in the Trinity League.
Now, Orange Lutheran faces Santa Margarita, another team it lost to in league. The Eagles won 28-7.
Santa Margarita also appears to be peaking, especially on defense, after defeating previously undefeated Sierra Canyon in the quarterfinals.
An Orange Lutheran victory would halt Santa Margarita’s storybook rise under first-year coach Carson Palmer — at least for now — and keep the spotlight to the Lancers’ own turnaround and potential to become a Trinity League power.
3. Can the Alpha League send three teams to the finals?
Remember those comments about the Alpha League in late June? Mission Viejo and San Clemente won major passing tournaments on the same day, prompting plenty of praise for the four-team, all-public school league.
Well, Alpha League members San Clemente (Division 2), Los Alamitos (Division 2) and Edison (Division 3) are all playing in the semifinals with a chance to reach the championship.
Don’t be surprised if the Alpha League goes 3-0, and the accolades for the group return.
Each team is filled with tons of talent and outstanding coaching.
4. Outside of Orange Lutheran, what’s the biggest surprise that O.C. could produce?
If Woodbridge upsets No. 1 seed Saddleback in Division 13, that would qualify.
Woodbridge (4-8) started the season 0-7 under first-year coach Connor McBride. Saddleback (10-2) is seeking its first trip to the finals since 1985. No O.C. team playing in the semifinals has a longer finals drought.
In Division 14, No. 11-seeded Anaheim (7-5) plays host to No. 2 Pioneer (6-6) at Glover Stadium. The Colonists entered the playoffs with a 5-5 record but have an excellent chance to reach the finals.