The Lock picks the West County Showdown, and 15 other Week 1 local football matchups
Patience is indeed a virtue, but The Lock knows there's something to be said for instant gratification.
That's what the high school football season delivers early on in Week 1.
It's The West County Showdown, St. Bonaventure vs. Pacifica, and a matchup between two of the very best teams in the Southern Section.
Kickoff is slated for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Ventura College.
What's at stake besides pride, bragging rights and prized momentum in this non-league contest? Maybe, the eventual landing spots in post-season for both teams.
Pacifica, which rolled up a 41-21 victory over Westlake a week ago, just might run the table and finish 10-0 in the regular season, if it can hurdle the Seraphs. The Tritons are considered the Channel League favorites.
An undefeated regular season could place Pacifica as high as Division 2 in the CIF-SS playoffs.
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St. Bonaventure lost a week ago to Inglewood, 41-34, and still must tackle the Marmonte League gauntlet. But a victory over Pacifica could help earn the Seraphs a berth in an upper-echelon division come November.
Along with all that, it's just a fascinating matchup between two stacked teams.
Pacifica's array of talent includes quarterback Tagg Harrison, running back Josh Joyner, wide receivers Savion Taylor and Tommy Alfaro, linebacker Jordan Whitney and cornerback Maliki Crawford.
St. Bonaventure counters with a powerful lineup that includes running back Delon Thompson, wide receiver Joaquin Johnson, quarterback Anthony Wolter and linebackers Jared Barlow and Anthony Albanez.
You know what's really interesting? St. Bonaventure vs. Pacifica is not the only high-stakes local contest in Week 1.
There's the esteemed rivalry matchup between "neighbors" Camarillo and Rio Mesa. The Spartans won last year's game, 23-21, which heightens the intensity on both sides.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Rio Mesa.
Onto this week's picks:
St. Bonaventure 28, Pacifica 27: Tritons and Seraphs can match scores with anybody. Can the Pacifica defense handle the St. Bonaventure running game and get their own offense on the field? Whichever defense gets most 3 and outs likely sparks the win.
Camarillo 24, Rio Mesa 20: Scorpions need to control the physical and athletic Spartans and let their own offense own the clock.
Simi Valley 35, Knight 14: Pioneers started slow last week, still looked like a league and playoff contender.
Ventura 27, Agoura 24: Big game for both sides after tough opening-night losses.
Santa Paula 28, Channel Islands 21: Time-honored rivalry that dates back to 1967 could be breakthrough win for either team.
Newbury Park 35, El Camino 10: Will it be a 2-0 start for Brady Smigiel and Panthers?
Sierra Canyon 24, Oaks Christian 21: Nobody can say the Lions don't schedule really good teams.
Oak Park 27, Calabasas 24: What looks like a close matchup will be quite a statement game for the winner.
Buena 21, West Ranch 17: Bulldogs look to get into win column, build momentum heading into league.
Oxnard 28, Hart 17: Yellowjackets give every indication that they will be handful in league race.
Royal 30, Castaic 20: How about those Highlanders? Great chance to start 2-0.
Saugus 28, Moorpark 24: Musketeers will get test from good team on the road.
Westlake 27, Crespi 21: Good spot for Warriors to pick up first victory.
Fillmore 30, Burbank-Burroughs 20: Flashes keep the momentum going.
Canyon 24, Hueneme 17: Vikings on the rebound after opening with a loss.
Dos Pueblos 30, Nordhoff 24: Can Rangers defeat a Channel League team for first win?
Last week: 14-4.
Loren Ledin is the Prep Editor for The Star. He can be reached at loren.ledin@vcstar.com or 805-437-0285. For more coverage of local high school sports, follow @vcspreps on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: The Lock picks the West County Showdown, and 15 other Week 1 matchups
