CIF DIVISION I TITLE GAME: A CONTRAST IN PROGRAMS

Posted Dec 19 2009 1:50PM - By Jeff Patterson, BayAreaSportsChannel.com
Category: Football

CARSON, Califonria - Tonight history will be made at the Home Depot Center. The CIF Division I championship game between perennial Northern California powerhouse De La Salle and upstart Crenshaw High is televised live on Fox Sports and Comcast Bay Area at 8:00pm. Either the Spartans, who are appearing in their fourth consecutive title game, will win their second state title or the Cougars, appearing in their first title tilt, will be the first City Section team to win a state championship in football.

The Spartans have been here before and know what to expect in these situations. Head Coach Bob Ladecour saw his team drop the final game to Centennial High last year, 21-16, and has used that as motivation for a return trip to the championship round. They won their 18th straight North Coast Section title, and 25th overall, last weekend and would like nothing better than to win it all again.

The Spartans have been a national prep football power for the past couple of decades, playing against top high school programs from around the country. This year, their two losses were to Don Bosco Prep of Ramsey, NJ, the top ranked team in the latest USA Today prep polls, and No. 4 Lakeland, Fla. They had “The Streak”, when they won a national record 151 games in row from 1992-2003. Coach Ladecour is also the career leader in wins in California high school history.

The Cougars are more known for their basketball prowess more so than their football feats. Although, this not their first taste of winning football. Their first City title came in 1991 and they won again in 2005. This year has been different. They are ranked seventh in the USA Today poll and are undefeated at 14-0. They overpowered Narbonne last week for the Southern Section title.

Many of the current Cougars were members of the youth football league founded by rapper Snoop Dogg and have continued to play together into high school. That chemistry and cohesion has them on the verge of an improbable victory.

While the Spartans may have an advantage in experience, resources, notoriety, both teams matchup well on the field. Speed will be on display as playmakers from both team look to take advantage of a fast track and good weather.

Crenshaw playmakers DeAnthony Thomas, two time state qualifier in track, quarterback Marquis Thompson, 19 touchdown passes, Geoffrey Norwood, 1,000 yard rusher and 15 rushing TDs, and linebacker Ronald Stovall, eight interceptions, led the Cougars.

The Spartans counter Terron Ward, 1,800 yard rusher for the season, Tyler Anderson, 22 touchdowns, and a solid offensive line. On defense, the Spartans are led by Dino Waldren, Dylan Winn and Will Marre, all of who have at least 8 sacks. The secondary os lead by sophomore Michael Barton.

The Cougars are the sentimental favorite and will play in front of a large home following. The Spartans always travel well, so they will have a large number of supporters as well. Good Luck and may the best team win.