Football: Crespi-Notre Dame game is bigger than ever

It's going to get a little wacky in the San Fernando Valley this coming week, because Crespi (6-1) is playing host to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (7-0) on Friday night in a Serra League opener that figures to be one of the best high school football games of the season.

These neighborhood rivals appear to be reaching peak form. Crespi shutout St. Francis, 34-0, on Friday. Notre Dame shutout St. Paul, 35-0.

Let's get down to the business of which team is going to win.

I saw Crespi in its worst performance of the season, a 31-14 loss to St. Bonaventure. The Celts didn't block, didn't tackle and didn't perform in their biggest game to date.

I haven't seen Notre Dame, but the Knights have improved each week.

The bottom line is which team's offensive line will be best able to protect its quarterback. That's going to mean the difference between victory and defeat.

I can't wait to see the traffic jam in Encino or the battle for parking. And the game should be good, too. Arrive early and stay late, because I expect a classic.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Comments

[Kim Tuverson]

Arrive early is right cuz it's gonna be a barn burner!

[joe]

Agreed. Added to your comments, I think a key to watch will be the Celts defensive speed and their attempt to contain Kasdorf. Special teams might be important, too, especially punt coverage and field goal distance.

Just a note for Crespi fans and grads. The alumni association is sponsoring a pre-game tailgate bbq before the game in the new building. Saturday night is the Celt HOF which will induct a handful of legendary Celts and include a special tribute to Mt. Carmel legends, the McKeever brothers.

Sorry, ec, for the shameless pitch. See ya this weekend.