D8: Semifinal Preview

D8 semifinals are scheduled today, with doubleheaders being hosted by both St. Mary's and Resurrection. Senior games tip at 3:30pm, with Junior games going at 5:00pm.

The junior games look to be fairly safe, but on the senior side there are definitely no gimmies.

Senior Semifinals

(4) Monsignor Doyle 4-6 at (1) St. Mary's 9-1
Season Series: SMHS 2-0 (Win 61-34 & 51-45).
Pick: SMHS
Line: SMHS by 12

For a change, the 1 vs. 4 D8 Senior semifinal isn't going to be a walk in the park. Monsignor Doyle is a scrappy bunch that has played the top teams (RCSS, SMHS) tough and earned a win over SDCSS while losing the other contest in OT. These teams met last week, with the Eagles racing to a 20 point lead but the 'Stangs clawing back and leading by 1 with 2:00 to go.

The top-ranked Eagles naturally have the edge on paper, but as I've been saying thus far, you never know what might happen in a one-game situation.


(3) St. David 5-5 at (2) Resurrection 8-2
Season Series: Tied 1-1 (SDCSS win 49-47, RCSS win 46-35).
Pick: RCSS
Line: RCSS by 8

The Celts are the D8 finals hosts, and I'm sure would love nothing better than to play in the championship game at home. To do that, they'll have to knock off Rez on the road --- something that they know they can do since they did it back in December.

Of course, the Celts are a bit banged up (Mike Schummer is out for the year with a leg injury) and they barely were able to hold of the St. Benedict Saints in their last outing. Of course, I wouldn't count out a Dave MacNeil coached team as he always seems to get the most out of his players.

Should be a great game over at Rez but the Phoenix are playing well right now and I think will get the win.


Junior Semifinals:

(1) Resurrection 10-0 vs (4) St. Benedict 4-6
Season Series: RCSS 2-0 (Win 51-25 & 55-33).
Pick: RCSS
Line: RCSS by 29

Like the Eagles and Mustangs on the senior side, these teams also met last week. In that contest, the Phoenix cruised to a 17-0 lead after one quarter before subbing through their roster. I think the starters will get a few more minutes in this one in preparation for what should be a competitive D8 final next Monday.


(2) St. Mary's 7-3 vs (3) St. David 7-3
Season Series: 1-1 (SMHS win 59-31, SDCSS win 34-32)
Pick: SMHS
Line: SMHS by 22

The Celts were able to earn a victory on the Eagles home floor last time out, but keep in mind that a couple of Eagles were held out of that game for disciplinary reasons. With a full squad, I don't think St. David will be able to hang with St. Mary's --- Eagles to win this one going away.