Preview and Predictions (Sask HS): Playoffs Round 2

Each and every week, Sask Tipster brings you the week’s preview and predictions for Saskatchewan high School Football. Here are this week’s playoff previews and predictions for games in Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw:

REGINA INTERCOLLEGIATE FOOTBALL LEAGUE (RIFL) – SEMI FINALS:

CFC#11 LeBoldus Golden Suns vs. Riffel Royals

Last time we covered these two teams, we predicted an overwhelming score in the favour of CFC#11 LeBoldus. We believe that this will once again happen. It’s very simple, Riffel is a good football team, they play hard, they are well coached, but they do not have the athletes that LeBoldus have. The CFC#11 LeBoldus offensive and defensive lines are too strong for Riffel to handle. And if that wasn’t enough, CFC#11 LeBoldus has a lot of game breaking weapons on offense including QB CFC 100 Chad De Ciman, Rec Kade Belyk, and RB Jamal Hooker. Their defense is just as spectacular, led by LB Chris Borys and DB Polis Koko.

Prediction LeBoldus Golden Suns 52,  Riffel Royals 7

O’Neil Titans vs. Greenall Griffins

The Greenall Griffins rely heavily on playmaker Tanner Zaharia. If the O’Neil Titans can hold him back, they have a real chance of coming away with the win and returning to the 3A Finals. O’Neil is well balanced, and it is fair to say that if they can run the ball effectively in the early goings, they will become difficult to stop. Last time these two met, the game was decided by a single touchdown. This should be a great game.

Prediction O’Neil Titans 35, Greenall Griffins 28

SASKATOON SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTORATE (SSSAD) – SEMI FINALS:

Centennial Chargers  vs. St. Joseph Guardians

Expect the Chargers’ star RB Adam Machart to be a key factor in this game. If the Guardians’ strong defense are to hold him back, we will have a close game. If he breaks away for a few touchdowns early, this game might get away. Although these two teams are fairly even, we believe Centennial has the edge. Centennial has shown the ability to play complete games on all three sides of the ball. They will run the ball often and control most of the game. Don’t count the Guardians out just yet, but if they are to win this one, they will need to shut down Machart.

PREDICTION: Centennial Chargers 24, St. Joseph Guardians 20

MOOSE JAW HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (MJHSFL) – FINALS:

Yorkton Regional Raiders vs. Peacock Tornadoes

The Peacock Tornadoes are favourites as they beat the Yorkton Raiders early this year by a whopping 28 points. But don’t count Yorkton out: their offense is as fast as it comes and it causes nightmares for opposing defenses. The team’s no huddle strategy has paid off surprisingly well this year, leading them to a 7-1 record (including playoff games). Like many teams running the no huddle, you can expect a few tricks plays in this one. Zak Kais and Alex Popoff are great athletes capable of dominating football games, and will need to be watched closely. On the other side, the Tornadoes are undefeated. Beating Yorkton 49-21 in week 5 was no fluke – they are that good. The closest the Tornadoes have come from a defeat was in a 23 point victory last week (64-41). Are they unbeatable? No. Their defense does allow points and team like Yorkton’s can beat them. This should be a great championship game with plenty of points.

PREDICTION: Yorkton Regional Raiders 42,  Peacock Tornadoes 45