Southwest Division Championship Game: Tustin vs. La Habra

COACH'S ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION

Jeff Bailey of El Dorado coached against both teams this season. El Dorado defeated Tustin, 28-23, in a Century League game on Nov. 13 and lost to La Habra, 23-14, in a Southwest Division quarterfinal.

Here is his analysis of the game:

What Tustin must do to win: “They definitely can't give up big plays and they have to contain La Habra's two studs (Ronnie Hillman and Joshua Quezada). They're going to have to get pressure on the quarterback. Tustin has done a great job of taking care of the ball and avoiding penalties. They're obviously going to run the ball, but they might need to pass to keep drives alive. If they have to drive the field, then they're going to need to avoid mistakes. Field position was big when we beat them (five of Tustin's drives started deep in its own territory). Tustin is more effective when all of their backs are running effectively. If one is struggling, then that limits what Tustin can do.”

What La Habra must do to win: “When you're playing Tustin, one mistake might cost you, so you have to be patient. Tustin is going to score on everybody, so La Habra has to stick with its plan of running the ball with Joshua Quezada and getting the ball to Ronnie Hillman. If you haven't played Tustin in a few years, it is different than what you've competed against. How well will La Habra respond to the speed and the power is going to be a key. La Habra has found ways to win the last two games.”

Bailey's prediction: “I think the game is going to be close, but I think Tustin wins by three.”

RELATED:

• Final breakdown: Southwest championship game
• Southwest breakdown: Team leaders
• Southwest breakdown: Projected lineups

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