Football Second-Round Playoffs : TONIGHT’S GAMES

DIVISION I

Mater Dei (10-1) vs. Los Alamitos (10-1), Veterans Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

For those who don’t remember, Mater Dei ended Los Alamitos’ 47-game unbeaten streak last season with a 28-24 victory in the semifinals. The Monarchs then won the division title. History being just that, this one should again be close. Mater Dei has a physical defense. Los Alamitos has a quick-score offense. Mater Dei has an offense that is inconsistent. Los Alamitos has a defense that is sometimes soft. So the matchup is even. The Griffins rely on the Kevin Feterik-to-Tony Hartley-or-Stan Guyness combinations. But the line will have to give him time. Esperanza was able to pressure Feterik in the Griffins’ only loss. Mater Dei’s defensive front almost mirrors Esperanza’s in size and ability. The Monarchs need solid performances from running back James Farley, who has been prone to fumble, and quarterback Nick Stremick, who has made key mistakes. It will come down to brute force vs. quick feet.

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Long Beach Poly (11-0) at Capistrano Valley (9-2), 7:30 p.m.

The Cougars already got the first break of this game--Poly’s standout running back, Akka-ar Moses (1,100 yards) is out with an injured knee suffered last week against Edison. The Cougars also have history on their side--the Jackrabbits have been eliminated in the second round the past two years by Orange County teams. Poly quarterback Morris Smith has passed for more than 1,400 yards, and the Jackrabbits have the only victory this season over Antelope Valley, the top-seeded team in Division II. If Capistrano Valley’s offensive line can block like it did against Eisenhower, Austin Moherman (1,155 yards passing, five touchdowns) and Malaefou MacKenzie (1,195 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns) could cause damage.