Football: City semifinal predictions

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There’s no easy answer to which teams are going to win the City Championship Division semifinal games on Friday. These are tough games that could go either way.

Crenshaw at Narbonne. The fact that Birmingham running back Trajuan Briggs was so effective against the Gauchos is cause for concern. DeAnthony Thomas of Crenshaw is faster and might have a better offensive line. Narbonne showed good offensive balance, which is critical to beating the Cougars. This game comes down to who’s going to make the big plays. Will it be Thomas? Will it be Hayes Pullard? Will it be Byron Moore Jr.? I lean toward Narbonne winning this one, but a Crenshaw victory would not be an upset.

Taft at San Pedro. The Pirates have a terrific defense, but let’s see how they do against a player with the speed of Taft’s D.J. Morgan. San Pedro hasn’t been challenged in its first two playoff games, and I don’t think that’s a good thing. Taft’s defense is better than people think. To me, this is all about how well San Pedro QB Barry Heads plays. Taft can pull off the upset by putting pressure on Heads.

In the City Invitational, the games are more predictable.

L.A. Wilson at Arleta. Wilson has the ability to pass, but Arleta has the defensive line to shut down the Mules. I’ve been impressed that Arleta keeps improving in the playoffs. Arleta is the pick.

Franklin at Roosevelt. This will be one heck of a battle. Roosevelt must make sure the versatile William Hernandez doesn’t go wild. I’ve liked Roosevelt from the moment the pairings came out and I’m sticking with the Rough Riders.

-- Eric Sondheimer