by Ian Cook

After a high-scoring game against Los Alamitos High School,  the Braves manage to defeat the griffins with a final score of  63-38.  With that being said, the Braves will once again this season take on the Servite Friars, this time, in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 Semi-final. 

In their first meeting, the Braves wound up defeating the Friars 24-10. Both teams will be going through rigorous preparations, as the entire season will be on the line in this game.

Led by four-star wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan, the Servite Friars are coming into this match as the underdogs. In addition, the Friars came off a dominating playoff victory last week defeating fellow Trinity League opponent, the Santa Margherita Eagles, with a final score of 34-3. 

The Braves will look to send the Friars home after rushing for 588 yards as a team against Los Alamitos. Rayshon Luke led the team with 249 yards on 10 carries resulting in 3 touchdowns. Jabari Bates rushed for 194 yards on 16 carries, resulting in 2 touchdowns, and Michael Hayes rushed for 140 yards on 11 carries, resulting in 1 touchdown.  

“We’re gonna have to keep staying consistent and disciplined. This is one of Servite’s best years so far and being consistent and disciplined is what’s gonna help us make a deep run in the playoffs,” said Jalen Woods.

The sold-out game will once again be taking place at Panish Family Stadium where the Braves currently hold a 6-1 record with their only loss being to the “Team In Red”. 

This Friday will be a statement game for the Braves after many people have concluded that the “Team In Red” will once again pave their way to the championship game. 

“The last time we played them (Servite), we gave what we got. Their defense was the key to their success, but so was ours. Then our offense was able to make big plays late in the game and sealed the deal with the first downs we got in the fourth quarter,” said Katin Houser.  

The St. John Bosco defense will once again have their eyes on a few Servite key players being Noah Fifita and Tetiaroa McMillan. 

“We’re looking forward to playing them again. We’re going to make them beat us by having the third and fourth options on the team make the big plays,” said Jaxon Harley. 

With Servite looking for revenge, the Braves look to continue their streak of making the Division 1 Southern Section Championship for the 8th consecutive season.  However, after losing to the “Team In Red” in Trinity League Play, many people are doubting the Braves will win another Championship and consider this match as an even contest. 

“We had a great regular season, going into the playoffs for the first time in two years puts a lot of pressure on us. We have a lot of seniors in our rotations and this is our last shot. Our goal is to win the championship. We have a great group of guys that have learned to take one possession at a time, and then everything will fall into place the way it should,” said Earnest Greene. 

For those who weren’t able to secure a ticket, this game will be televised on Bally Sports West at 7:30 p.m. 

The victor of this playoff match will take on the winner between the Huskies of Corona Centennial and The Mater Dei Monarchs, Friday, November 26, at 7:00 p.m in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 Championship.