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Both teams are coming off big wins in the semifinals. Paly blanked Bellarmine, with a dominating 35-0 victory, while Valley Christian ran over Palma, 40-14.
Here are some on field match-ups to watch:
PA Defense vs. Byron Marshall
The defense has a difficult assignment in covering the Warriors star running back, Byron Marshall, who had 130 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Palma. Only a junior, Marshall has rushed for over 1,360 yards for the season with 198 touchdowns averaging 136 yards per game and an astounding 9.38 yards per carry. If he gets any space to work in, look out. Marshall is blazingly fast; he won the 100-meter dash at CCS last spring and can make a defense pay dearly for missed tackles. If the Vikings can contain Marshall, their chances of winning will improve. Paly has dealt with one electric running back in the playoffs already. The defense stifled Bellarmine’s Kris Olugbode, keeping him under 100 yards and no touchdowns. Olugbode had only one rush that gained over 11 yards after averaging over 8 yards per carry during the regular season. Look for double teams on Stanford-bound senior Kevin Anderson to open up other players to make plays. Senior safety T.J. Braff leads the team in tackles and should be all over the field, while senior linebackers Michael Cullen and Will Glazier will lead a resurgent defense that has allowed only 10 points in the playoffs. Stopping the run will be the Vikings number one priority.
PA Secondary vs. VC Passing Game
Valley Christian is not as well known for its aerial attack, as the Warriors kept the ball on the ground most of the season. However, unlike Bellarmine, the Warriors quarterback can throw; Zach Vaiana completed 11 of 12 passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns against Palma, so Paly will need to be careful not to get caught by surprise by the pass. The Vikings held Bellarmine’s backup quarterback to only 17 yards through the air. If the defense can shut down the passing game early, it will be able to focus its energy on containing Marshall.
B.J. Boyd and Dre Hill vs. VC Defense
If Paly can establish its running game, look for it to open up the pass game. Senior quarterback Christoph Bono had two touchdowns through the air against the Bells, complimenting a strong night of 156 yards combined rushing by senior running back tandem Dre Hill and BJ Boyd. Against Bellarmine, Boyd had explosive runs up the middle and around the outside. He scored on his first carry, a 30 yard scamper, while Hill was used more in short yardage situations and consistently got first downs with bruising carries.
PA Air Attack vs. VC Secondary
Watch to see if number 13 is able to consistently get the ball to his wide receivers. If Bono can avoid pressure and get into a rhythm, the offense is sure to get hot. The explosive duo of seniors Davante Adams and Maurice Williams poses a formidable challenge for the Warriors. Williams is the deep threat with great speed, averaging an incredible 27 yards per catch and 8 touchdowns while Adams has 1007 yards receiving on the year to compliment 10 touchdowns. Look for both receivers to try and break a big gain with a shifty move. Adams caught Bono’s last-second prayer against Mitty to take the Vikings to the semifinals. However, Marshall also doubles up at cornerback, making a match up of some tremendous athletes. Braff, who plays tight end as well, is one of Bono’s favorite targets over the middle, catching a touchdown in the win over Bellarmine. Bono ranks eighth in CCS with 2252 yards and 26 touchdowns, completing 66.4 percent of his passes. While he did have two interceptions last week, Bellarmine was unable to capitalize on them. Avoiding turnovers through the air and on the ground will be key for the Vikings if they want to bring home the title.
PA Special Teams vs. VC Special Teams
Paly is coming off a huge game for special teams, forcing two turnovers that both led to early scoring drives which gave the Vikings tons of momentum early on. A blocked punt by Anderson and a squib kick by Bono that bounced off a Bellarmine blocker both changed the game. If Paly can manage to force a turnover on special teams, it would be a huge morale booster. Williams and Adams are both very dangerous on kick returns; expect them to try to break a big one with some shifty moves right after they catch the ball.
Records:
Palo Alto: 12-0
Valley Christian: 11-1
Take a look at Paly’s season so far by clicking here.
Game Information:
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at San Jose City College for the CCS Open Division Title and a possible CIF Bowl Berth.
The game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet, so tune in to watch it live. In addition, there will be a pre-game show. Chronicle Live will be broadcasting remote on location from 5 to 6 p.m.. They are hoping to have Paly students in the background during the pre-game show, so come out to support the Vikings. More information can be found here. Students who would like to be on TV can enter at 4:30 p.m. They will have to pay for their tickets, but they can buy them at the door or from the Paly auditor throughout the week.