Cub Football - A look at the 20 teams in CIF Division 4 - Preview of Friday’s home game
LOYOLA PREPARES FOR ITS FINAL NON-LEAGUE GAME - A LOOK AT THE 20 DIVISION 4 TEAMS THAT ARE VYING FOR 16 PLAYOFF BERTHS
”Playoffs? Don’t talk about playoffs. You kidding me? Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game!” That was the famous, exasperated response of former New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Mora when asked about his Colts team’s prospects for making the NFL playoffs just after suffering an ignominious defeat.
To channel Mora, it is way too early to assess Loyola’s chances of making the playoffs. While the arrow is pointing up for Cub Football as it heads into its first autumn battle and final non-league tilt against Vista Murrieta at Smith Field this Friday at 7:00 p.m., Loyola, now in the Division 4 playoff grouping, needs to keep its nose to the grindstone and treat the remaining six games as one week seasons with the goal to be 1-0 after each contest all the way through its final Mission League encounter on November 1st.
To give an early prognostication on the Big Blue's playoff prospects, below is a look at the 20 CIF Southern Section Division 4 squads that are hoping to earn an invitation to the playoffs which get underway on November 8. Under the new competitive equity playoff format which the Southern Section implemented four years ago, teams from the same league may be assigned to different playoff divisions based on various competitive equity criteria, including, among other things, strength of schedule, win-loss record in the preceding season, previous playoff participation and strength of league.
One thing did not change with the advent of the competitive equity system. The top three schools in six-team leagues and the top two in five-school conferences are guaranteed playoff berths in most playoff divisions. Teams that finish league competition in a spot below what would guaranty a playoff berth are eligible for at-large consideration; however, a team that finishes the season fifth in a six-school league cannot be taken over another team which finishes fourth in its respective league regardless of whether the fifth place finisher is a significantly better squad.
Sixteen of the 20 schools in Division 4 (the division has an unimpressive cumulative 47-45 record to date) will make the playoffs. Closing in on the halfway point of the regular season, here is a look at each of the 20 CIF Southern Section Division 4 teams, including records to date, the leagues in which the schools are members and a reasonable guess as to whether each team will or will not earn a guaranteed playoff berth based on its projected conference record:
VILLA PARK (1-3), Crestview, unlikely
BISHOP DIEGO (3-2), Camino, unlikely
EASTVALE ROOSEVELT (1-4), Big VIII, unlikely
SAN JUAN HILLS (2-3), Sea View, likely
PARAMOUNT (3-1), San Gabriel Valley, likely
DOWNEY (1-3), San Gabriel Valley, unlikely
HART (2-2), Foothill, unlikely
PALOS VERDES( (3-2), Bay, likely
SOUTH HILLS (2-3), Hacienda, likely
MURRIETA MESA (2-3), Southwestern, unlikely
DAMIEN (3-2), Baseline, unlikely
CAMARILLO (5-0), Camino, likely
PALOMA VALLEY (2-3), Ivy, unlikely
LA MIRADA (4-1), Suburban, likely
LOYOLA (2-2), Mission, likely*
YUCAIPA (1-3), Citrus Belt, unlikely
CHARTER OAK (2-3), Hacienda, unlikely
EL TORO (1-4), South Coast, unlikely
CHAPARRAL (4-0), Southwestern, likely
GREAT OAK (3-1), Southwestern, likely
*while Loyola (2-2) was picked to finish in last place in the Mission League by CalPreps-a usually accurate predictor-before the season, the projection here is that the Cubs will finish in the top three based on their improvement, talent and coaching.
Camarillo is undefeated and could finish the regular season undefeated if it can defeat higher rated Simi Valley Grace Brethren, which is a Division I school. If the Scorpions go 10-0, they would likely be the number one seed in D-4. Camarillo is currently the 20th-ranked team by the Los Angeles Times.
Palos Verdes and La Mirada are likely to win the Bay and Suburban leagues, respectively. Based on reasonable projections (many believe Loyola is not likely to earn a guaranteed playoff berth), 11 schools in Division 4 are not expected-in this analysis-to earn guaranteed playoff invitations. If that turns out to be true, there would be seven at-large teams.
If the Cubs finish no worse than fourth in the six-team Mission League, their chances of getting an at-large berth would probably be good. A lower finish could make playoff participation a long shot.
After last Friday’s victory over a good Valencia squad, the Big Blue should go into each of its remaining contests with the EXPECTATION of winning.
There is no question that the Mission is the toughest league with a Division 4 member, but that fact will only aid Loyola if it completes its conference slate with some conference victories.
If the Cubs focus on one game at a time, they have a chance to shock the pundits. But for now, the focus should only be on Vista Murrieta.
A LOOK AT VISTA MURRIETA, THE CUBS' FINAL NON-LEAGUE OPPONENT
Head coach Eric Petersen will bring a disciplined, experienced crew to Smith Field this Friday on Alumni Night. The Broncos (2-2) feature a balanced offense and hard hitting defensive unit, and are favored to win the Southwestern League title.
Among the key players for Vista Murrieta is dual threat senior quarterback Robert Coleman (6-0, 200). While he has completed only 41% of his passes, Coleman is a clutch player. He averages 4.5 yards per carry as a runner.
Senior wide receiver/corner Tyreese Shakir (5-11, 175) does it all on both sides of the ball. Senior running back Donovan Taylor (6-0, 175) averages 5.2 yards per carry behind a stout offensive line.
Lightning quick junior receiver Sean McDermott (5-8, 155) averages 28.3 yards per catch. Sophomore TE/DE Jack Petersen (6-4, 240) is a bruiser as is senior TE/DE Edward Ta’amilo (6-4, 225).
Senior outside linebacker Damian Otero (5-10, 190) is Vista Murrieta’s leading tackler. College prospect Hunter Escorcia (6-2, 185) is an athletic free safety who is second on the tackle stat sheet.
The Broncos’ focus and discipline make them tough to beat.
OUTLOOK
The Cubs have a good chance to move the ball tonight, but Vista Murrieta will not beat itself. Coleman's dual threat ability and McDermott's sensational quickness and speed will need to be accounted for by the the Big Blue's 'Wolfpack' defense. The squad which makes the fewest mistakes will have the best chance to notch the win. The Broncos return 12 (7 offense, 5 defense) starters from last season’s playoff team, so the road trip should not be a distraction for a veteran Vista Murrieta squad. After falling to Orange Lutheran, 42-17, in Murrieta last Friday, the Broncos are biting at the bit to get back into the win column.
Vista Murrieta's record to date:
VISTA MURRIETA 24 Los Alamitos 12
VISTA MURRIETA 24 Capital Christian 6
Norco 49 VISTA MURRIETA 28
Orange Lutheran 42 VISTA MURRIETA 17
THE SERIES
Loyola played Vista Murrieta in Murrieta for the first time last fall. The Cubs fell to the Broncos, 8-0. Loyola played great defensively, but as was the case for most of the 2018 campaign, could not muster any offensive production.
UPDATE ON CUBS IN COLLEGE
Former Cub linebacker TEDDY GALLAGHER '16 leads Coastal Carolina in tackles as a starting inside linebacker.. MYLES BRYANT '16, Loyola's 2015 MVP, is a starting safety and team captain for the Washington Huskies. Bryant leads the team in tackles after four games.
”Playoffs? Don’t talk about playoffs. You kidding me? Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game!” That was the famous, exasperated response of former New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Mora when asked about his Colts team’s prospects for making the NFL playoffs just after suffering an ignominious defeat.
To channel Mora, it is way too early to assess Loyola’s chances of making the playoffs. While the arrow is pointing up for Cub Football as it heads into its first autumn battle and final non-league tilt against Vista Murrieta at Smith Field this Friday at 7:00 p.m., Loyola, now in the Division 4 playoff grouping, needs to keep its nose to the grindstone and treat the remaining six games as one week seasons with the goal to be 1-0 after each contest all the way through its final Mission League encounter on November 1st.
To give an early prognostication on the Big Blue's playoff prospects, below is a look at the 20 CIF Southern Section Division 4 squads that are hoping to earn an invitation to the playoffs which get underway on November 8. Under the new competitive equity playoff format which the Southern Section implemented four years ago, teams from the same league may be assigned to different playoff divisions based on various competitive equity criteria, including, among other things, strength of schedule, win-loss record in the preceding season, previous playoff participation and strength of league.
One thing did not change with the advent of the competitive equity system. The top three schools in six-team leagues and the top two in five-school conferences are guaranteed playoff berths in most playoff divisions. Teams that finish league competition in a spot below what would guaranty a playoff berth are eligible for at-large consideration; however, a team that finishes the season fifth in a six-school league cannot be taken over another team which finishes fourth in its respective league regardless of whether the fifth place finisher is a significantly better squad.
Sixteen of the 20 schools in Division 4 (the division has an unimpressive cumulative 47-45 record to date) will make the playoffs. Closing in on the halfway point of the regular season, here is a look at each of the 20 CIF Southern Section Division 4 teams, including records to date, the leagues in which the schools are members and a reasonable guess as to whether each team will or will not earn a guaranteed playoff berth based on its projected conference record:
VILLA PARK (1-3), Crestview, unlikely
BISHOP DIEGO (3-2), Camino, unlikely
EASTVALE ROOSEVELT (1-4), Big VIII, unlikely
SAN JUAN HILLS (2-3), Sea View, likely
PARAMOUNT (3-1), San Gabriel Valley, likely
DOWNEY (1-3), San Gabriel Valley, unlikely
HART (2-2), Foothill, unlikely
PALOS VERDES( (3-2), Bay, likely
SOUTH HILLS (2-3), Hacienda, likely
MURRIETA MESA (2-3), Southwestern, unlikely
DAMIEN (3-2), Baseline, unlikely
CAMARILLO (5-0), Camino, likely
PALOMA VALLEY (2-3), Ivy, unlikely
LA MIRADA (4-1), Suburban, likely
LOYOLA (2-2), Mission, likely*
YUCAIPA (1-3), Citrus Belt, unlikely
CHARTER OAK (2-3), Hacienda, unlikely
EL TORO (1-4), South Coast, unlikely
CHAPARRAL (4-0), Southwestern, likely
GREAT OAK (3-1), Southwestern, likely
*while Loyola (2-2) was picked to finish in last place in the Mission League by CalPreps-a usually accurate predictor-before the season, the projection here is that the Cubs will finish in the top three based on their improvement, talent and coaching.
Camarillo is undefeated and could finish the regular season undefeated if it can defeat higher rated Simi Valley Grace Brethren, which is a Division I school. If the Scorpions go 10-0, they would likely be the number one seed in D-4. Camarillo is currently the 20th-ranked team by the Los Angeles Times.
Palos Verdes and La Mirada are likely to win the Bay and Suburban leagues, respectively. Based on reasonable projections (many believe Loyola is not likely to earn a guaranteed playoff berth), 11 schools in Division 4 are not expected-in this analysis-to earn guaranteed playoff invitations. If that turns out to be true, there would be seven at-large teams.
If the Cubs finish no worse than fourth in the six-team Mission League, their chances of getting an at-large berth would probably be good. A lower finish could make playoff participation a long shot.
After last Friday’s victory over a good Valencia squad, the Big Blue should go into each of its remaining contests with the EXPECTATION of winning.
There is no question that the Mission is the toughest league with a Division 4 member, but that fact will only aid Loyola if it completes its conference slate with some conference victories.
If the Cubs focus on one game at a time, they have a chance to shock the pundits. But for now, the focus should only be on Vista Murrieta.
A LOOK AT VISTA MURRIETA, THE CUBS' FINAL NON-LEAGUE OPPONENT
Head coach Eric Petersen will bring a disciplined, experienced crew to Smith Field this Friday on Alumni Night. The Broncos (2-2) feature a balanced offense and hard hitting defensive unit, and are favored to win the Southwestern League title.
Among the key players for Vista Murrieta is dual threat senior quarterback Robert Coleman (6-0, 200). While he has completed only 41% of his passes, Coleman is a clutch player. He averages 4.5 yards per carry as a runner.
Senior wide receiver/corner Tyreese Shakir (5-11, 175) does it all on both sides of the ball. Senior running back Donovan Taylor (6-0, 175) averages 5.2 yards per carry behind a stout offensive line.
Lightning quick junior receiver Sean McDermott (5-8, 155) averages 28.3 yards per catch. Sophomore TE/DE Jack Petersen (6-4, 240) is a bruiser as is senior TE/DE Edward Ta’amilo (6-4, 225).
Senior outside linebacker Damian Otero (5-10, 190) is Vista Murrieta’s leading tackler. College prospect Hunter Escorcia (6-2, 185) is an athletic free safety who is second on the tackle stat sheet.
The Broncos’ focus and discipline make them tough to beat.
OUTLOOK
The Cubs have a good chance to move the ball tonight, but Vista Murrieta will not beat itself. Coleman's dual threat ability and McDermott's sensational quickness and speed will need to be accounted for by the the Big Blue's 'Wolfpack' defense. The squad which makes the fewest mistakes will have the best chance to notch the win. The Broncos return 12 (7 offense, 5 defense) starters from last season’s playoff team, so the road trip should not be a distraction for a veteran Vista Murrieta squad. After falling to Orange Lutheran, 42-17, in Murrieta last Friday, the Broncos are biting at the bit to get back into the win column.
Vista Murrieta's record to date:
VISTA MURRIETA 24 Los Alamitos 12
VISTA MURRIETA 24 Capital Christian 6
Norco 49 VISTA MURRIETA 28
Orange Lutheran 42 VISTA MURRIETA 17
THE SERIES
Loyola played Vista Murrieta in Murrieta for the first time last fall. The Cubs fell to the Broncos, 8-0. Loyola played great defensively, but as was the case for most of the 2018 campaign, could not muster any offensive production.
UPDATE ON CUBS IN COLLEGE
Former Cub linebacker TEDDY GALLAGHER '16 leads Coastal Carolina in tackles as a starting inside linebacker.. MYLES BRYANT '16, Loyola's 2015 MVP, is a starting safety and team captain for the Washington Huskies. Bryant leads the team in tackles after four games.
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