Last week I was 3-1 in picks with Lake Catholic's surprising loss. I stand at 11-3 for the playoffs, and the games are rapidly dwindling. This week's predictions:
FRIDAY NIGHT
DIV III Regional Final-Akron St.Vincent-St.Mary vs. Chagrin Falls. This showdown was supposed to have been between the Tigers and Cougars, but this matchup should be every bit as good. The Fighting Irish have a great QB in Kevin Besser, a good RB in Sae'von Fitzgerald, two good WRs, a strong o-line and stout defense. In other words, they've got everything. Chagrin Falls, likewise, except the Tigers have even more weapons on offense. SV-SM probably has an edge in athleticism and maybe size. Chagrin Falls has definitely got the edge in playoff experience, though. This will be a battle between two well-coached teams, without a doubt. Ultimately, the been-there already Tigers will come through with the clutch plays and fewer mistakes. Pick: Chagrin Falls
DIV V Regional Final-Columbiana Crestview vs. Kirtland. The Hornets will get their toughest test of the season-by far-in this game. Kirtland's previous biggest test was back in Week 5 against Cuyahoga Hts. The Hornets won that one, 24-12. Crestview beat that same Cuyahoga Hts team in Week 11 by a score of 44-20. So at the very least Crestview looks to be a team that's on the same level as Kirtland. The big questions facing the Hornets this week are: How will they react to real adversity? What if they have an early turnover or two? What if they fall behind on the scoreboard? I see no reason to think they'll come up short now-this train's rolling, and will stay on track this week. Pick: Kirtland
SATURDAY NIGHT
DIV I Regional Final-Mentor vs. St.Ignatius. Rematch number 2 for the Cardinals. Do last week's near-collapse against Solon and the Week 10 upset loss to Twinsburg bode a playoff exit far short of Mentor's goal? Or were those mere bumps along the road, wake-up calls if you will, on the way to a State title? The Cardinals can certainly move the ball and score against anybody, but will they be able to come up with a crucial defensive stop? It remains to be seen how much the two teams have learned-and changed-since the first meeting back in Week 3. St. Ignatius rebounded well from the loss, losing only to State Title contender St.Xavier by a 14-12 score when a fluke turnover cut short a potential game-winning drive. All in all, this should be a great game at what should be an absolutely packed Lakewood Stadium. There were will be no one surprised at whoever the winner is here. It will most likely come down to one or two key plays, maybe a crucial turnover. A lot like the two St.Ignatius-St.Edward games this year. Sorry, fellow Lake Countians, I'm going with the team that just keeps finding ways to win. Pick: St.Ignatius
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