Playoff predictions
It will go this way tonight in Division I-IV semfinals and the D-V championship:
D-I
Clovis West vs. Edison: Tremendous pre-game buzz, evident in an apparent Edison-crafted gold and black banner targeting Clovis West south-bound traffic and hanging on Highway 41 overpass at Bullard Avenue saying, "The lights are back on." This, of course, is a spin off the teams' 27-27 tie on Sept. 14 at Sunnyside High, where the game ended in overtime when lights operating on an automatic timer went out. This time? Golden Eagles needed rain, mud and a slow track. Conversely, perfect conditions for Edison speed and a 10-point win.
Bakersfield vs. Centennial: Rematch won by Centennial 28-26 two months ago. Golden Hawks win by 2 TDs tonight.
D-II
Lemoore vs. El Diamante: Miners by 20, even while looking forward to title showdown with unbeaten Tulare.
Reedley vs. Tulare: Pirates wing-T will cause problems, but they don't have the ponies to ride with Tulare, which wins by 17.
D-III
Garces vs. Tehachapi: Garces much improved in past month, but Warriors prevail by 7.
Washington vs. Foothill: Not a good sign for Trojans, requiring game-ending FG to nip seventh-seeded Dinuba 10-9 last week. Now to defend QB Ebahn Feathers, the best player on the field in Washington 10-point victory.
D-IV
Exeter vs. Corcoran: Panthers won Round I 57-12 at Exeter. Monarches make up 45 points on the road? Negatory, but it's closer. Corcoran by 23.
Chowchilla vs. Taft: At this point, Wildcats are most clear-cut favorite in all five divisions. Wildcats win this by 17.
D-V
Bakersfield Christian vs. Fowler: Eagles are decidedly taller than Redcats, but this isn't basketball on grass, is it? Fowler by 13 to close unbeaten season.