Football: It’s almost time to start thinking about bowl games
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In California, we’re not big into state championships. The section titles mean a lot more.
And yet, there were enough votes from the 10 CIF sections to add regional football bowl games on Dec. 7-8, leading up to the CIF state championship bowl games on Dec. 14-15 at the Home Depot Center. So it’s time to start paying attention to bowl rankings.
To be considered for a bowl game, a school first must win a section title.
According to Cal-Hi Sports, the top ranked teams in Southern California Division I are Narbonne, Vista Murrieta, St. John Bosco and St. Bonaventure. Four teams will be selected for the regional Open Division and Division I bowls. That means the City Division I champion, Inland and Pac-5 are certain to be chosen. Clovis North is 10-1 and could be picked from the Central Section.
In Division II, Oceanside, Huntington Beach Edison, West Hills Chaminde and Lompoc top the rankings, but only two teams will make it to the regional. Oceanside lost to Temecula Chaparral, and that could be used to pick the Southwest and Western Division champions ahead.
In Division III, Paraclete, San Diego St. Augustine, Monrovia and Wasco are the top-ranked teams. Two teams are picked.
In Division IV, it’s Bishop Diego, Sierra Canyon, Ontario Christian and Mission Prep. Sierra Canyon would be a certain choice if it won the Mid-Valley Division. Two teams are picked.
Again, first a team must win the section title. The selections will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 2.
-- Eric Sondheimer