Football: Parochial powers collide in Open bowl

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It’s time for the main event and tonight’s Open Division state bowl game should be a classic between two undefeated Catholic schools.

Representing Southern California is Anaheim Servite, the Southern Section Pac-5 Division champion. The Friars (14-0) have won 25 consecutive games and defeated Rocklin by a field goal in the Division II state bowl game last fall. Servite is equipped with a balanced attack, led by running back Malik Felton (1,336 yards, 17 touchdowns) and quarterback Cody Pittman (1,272 yards, six TDs).

Representing Northern California is Concord De La Salle, the North Coast Section Division I champion. The Spartans (13-0) are averaging 46.8 points per game and defeated Los Angeles Crenshaw 28-14 last year in the inaugural Open Division game. De La Salle’s offense is paced by QB Bart Houston (1,863 yards, 20 TDs) and running back Lucas Dunne (1,662 yards, 31 TDs).

Both teams have gathered at the 30-yard line and are kneeling for a pre-game prayer. The rain has kept many fans away, most people probably preferring to watch this game o TV from their warm living rooms or follow along here on Varsity Times, so I’ll try to keep you updated as the action unfolds.

Opening kickoff is 10 minutes away and we’ll see how well Servite handles a muddy track. So far, the Southern California teams have clearly had more trouble adjusting to the weather.

-- Steve Galluzzo