MAGNOLIA (4-6 in 2007) vs. CALVARY CHAPEL (1-9)
Site, time: Orange Coast College, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: If you are looking for candidates for “most improved football team” of 2008, which Tesoro was in 2007, Magnolia is a good place to start. Potential has often been there, but keeping athletes focused, together and eligible has been a challenge. The Sentinels have size along the offensive and defensive lines and talent at the skill positions. Let’s wait for more information, i.e. results of their games and of other Orange League teams’ games, before predicting that the Sentinels will make the playoffs for the first time since 1984. Calvary Chapel should be improved, too, and the addition of former Corona del Mar coach Dick Freeman as defensive coordinator is an asset. Magnolia, though, is on the launching pad and ready for take-off, so start your countdown now.
Winner: Magnolia
