The first round of playoff games is in the books, and the Southern Athletic League (SAL) loses one of its play-off contenders while another moved on in a convincing fashion. I went 2-0 in my picks while Calpreps incorrectly picked Denair to beat Highlands by 3. Since the last realignment, SAL teams have never gotten beyond the semifinals. All of the section championships have been Golden Empire League rematches.

This season there is a real strong possibility that at least one SAL team will be in the championship on Dec. 5 at Oakmont High School. Of course, for most SAL fans, the dream match would be Le Grand facing Mariposa in a reprise of the classic 1995 championship.

Highlands 24, Denair 21: Highlands won its first playoff game since its glory days in the 1980's when the Scots were a Division 1 powerhouse, with a close victory over Denair last Friday.

Mariposa 34, Lindhurst 0: This was a sweet win for the Grizzlies, finally beating a Blazer team that had knocked them out of the playoffs twice previously. LHS was down quite a bit from its playoff teams from the past four seasons. But in the cold and wet of the Gold Bowl, Mariposa's offense simply overwhelmed the Blazers. Coach Bob Kelly has got to feel good about how his offense has come on the last few weeks. The Grizzlies have a full stable of weapons that can break a game open, even QB Jarrett Leonard has shown that he can be a big factor given protection. Mariposa is rolling, and it has put it together at exactly the right part of the season.

Semi-Final Projections:

Highlands at Le Grand: The SAL looks like it will finally break the strangle-hold that the GEL has had on the championship, and the Bulldogs are in a prime position to get a ticket to Oakmont. Le Grand plays its first playoff game as a heavy favorite over the holiday weekend. Highlands plays an offense that the ‘Dogs are familiar with, and as the Denair game showed, their defense is vulnerable to a power rushing game. Expect the Dogs to do just that, they will punch it up the gut. Tony Ortegon will pound them until he is stopped. The Scots just have not faced a team this physical all season, and it will require their best effort thus far to keep Le Grand in range. Calpreps see's Le Grand as a 28-8 favorite. I feel the SAL will finally get a team in the championship: LE GRAND by 21.

Mariposa at Capital Christian: Even before one game was played back in September, the Cougars were already being declared the section champions. QB James Lee is already signed with a Division 1 college program, and he has a stable of receivers that have eye popping stats. They cut a swath through the GEL, and their three losses were to higher division powerhouses such as Modesto Christian.

Anyone who has followed SAL ball this year knows that the critical chink in the Grizzly armor is pass defense. Mariposa has a potent offense of its own, and unlike the Cougars who rely on a quick strike, the Grizzlies can eat up a lot of time on the clock.

Capital's defense has not been anywhere close to its offense. If the Grizzlies can get a few key stops on defense, and not give up big plays, they have a realistic chance to pull this one out. Frankly, Mariposa’s secondary has to play its best game of the season, and the Grizzly rush is going to have to get pressure on Lee. CC is only average if they have to run the ball a lot, and the advantage would definitely shift to Mariposa. Calpreps call it Capital Christian 38-27. I feel this one should be an offensive show, and am hoping for an upset, but I have to go with my head instead of my heart: CAPITAL CHRISTIAN by 7.