Local football coaches cringed when the Bay League was moved from the Western to the Northern Division in the CIF Southern Section prior to the 2010 season, disappointed with the realignment of the divisions that moved the Bay League to a higher level of competition in which its members were not accustomed of playing.
“I hate the move. I think it’s terrible,” Redondo head coach Gene Simon said prior to last year’s campaign. “The Marmonte League is a 10-team league. The Bay League champion could face a third- or fourth-place team in the opening round and it would be the best opponent it has faced all year.”
Simon’s prediction was correct and, despite a second-place finish after a 21-7 win at rival Mira Costa that earned the Sea Hawks a home game in the opening round of the playoffs Friday, Redondo faces a difficult challenge.
Although Simon’s squad drew a third-place team for its first opponent, it happens to be St. Bonaventure, the third-seeded team in the Northern Division. St. Bonaventure eliminated Redondo in the opening round last season with a 44-14 home victory.
Even Bay League champion Palos Verdes (7-2) will host a higher ranked team in the opening round when the 8th-ranked Sea Kings take on No. 5 Hart (6-4), who earned an at-large berth from the Foothill League. Because Palos Verdes does not have lights in its stadium, the game will be played at Mira Costa. All games are slated to kick off at 7 p.m.
Mira Costa (5-5) plays at second-seeded Oaks Christian (8-2) in its first-round game.
Redondo (6-4) enters the post season on a high note after defeating rival Mira Costa last Thursday. The Sea Hawk’s stifling defense and ever-improving passing game were the keys to the victory.
Sophomore quarterback Harrison Faecher connected with receiver Hunter Bradshaw on two long scoring passes to help Redondo break a three-game losing streak to Mira Costa.
Faecher, who has thrown for more than 1,400 yards including 20 touchdowns this season, began the scoring with a first-quarter 51-pass play to Bradshaw.
After Mira Costa tied the game 7-7 midway through the second quarter on an Alex Weaver three-yard run, Redondo answered when running back Ryan Spiwak scored on a one-yard toss from Faecher.
Following a scoreless third quarter, Redondo secured the game when Bradshaw hauled in a 41-yard pass for a touchdown in the final frame. Bradshaw, who also handles the kicking duties for Redondo, has 569 yards and nine touchdowns receiving this season.
Anthony Philyaw has emerged as the leading rusher for Redondo, gaining more than 500 yards after a late start.
Redondo’s opponent St. Bonaventure (8-2) is coming off a 35-14 loss to top-seeded Westlake which snapped a six-game winning streak. St. Bonaventure has lost to Westlake in the semifinals the last two seasons. The Seraph’s first loss was a 34-24 defeat at Oaks Christian.
Senior quarterback Marc Evans (6-2, 200) runs a balanced offensive attack having completed 132 of 199 passes for 1,825 yards and 18 touchdowns with only four interceptions.
Evans favorite target is Jordan Farris (6-2, 195) who has 31 receptions for 427 yards and four touchdowns.
Running backs Shaun Wick (5-11, 195) and Zachary Green (5-9, 210) form a powerful tandem. Wick has rushed for 885 yard and 11 touchdowns on 116 carries while Green has rushed 108 times for 748 yards and 12 touchdowns.
St. Bonaventure has seven linemen on its roster topping 250 pounds including co-captain David Barajas (6-3, 300).
Mira Costa has the dubious task of traveling to Westlake Village to take on defending Northern Division champion Oaks Christian.
The Mustangs rely on their ground game led by running backs Brandon Edmond and Stephen Giovati.
Oaks Christian finished second in the Marmonte League and is riding a five-game winning streak. The Lion’s two losses were to Bellevue, WA 31-21 in the season opener and to Westlake 43-21 in the fifth game of the season.
Sophomore quarterback Brandon Dawkins (6-3, 190) has completed 123-of-187 passes fro 1,686 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Providing a large target is leading receiver Jordan Payton (6-3, 200) who has caught 46 passes for 588 yards and eight touchdowns.
Complementing Payton is Chris Davis (5-9, 175) who has hauled in 34 passes for 356 yards and three touchdowns.
The bulk of the Lion’s running game has come from workhorse Carlos Mendoza (6-2, 220) who is averaging just over seven yards per carry amassing 629 yards and seven touchdowns in 89 attempts.
Outside linebacker Cameron Judge (6-2, 195) spearheads the defense recording 89 tackles this season. Nose guard Marcus Jones (6-1, 235) and defensive lineman Devereaux Stewart (6-0, 195) have 11 and nine sacks, respectively.
In the Northwest Division, Pioneer League champion Torrance (6-4) hosts Santa Ynez (5-5), El Segundo (6-4) hosts Cantwell Sacred Heart (7-3), South Torrance (5-5) travels to face second-seeded St. Bernard (10-0) and Del Rey runner-up Bishop Montgomery (6-4) hosts Centennial/Compton (7-3).
Competing in the Northeast Division, Chadwick (6-4) travels to Mojave (9-1) and in the Western Division, Serra (8-2) earned the top seed and will host Culver City (7-3) in the opening round.
