Look out for the Lions

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I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m still finding it hard to believe that tradition-rich Oaks Christian is seeded No. 3 in the Northwest Division playoffs. Guess that’s what happens when you lose three regular-season games and end up tied for the Tri-Valley League title. It’s a classic case of what have you done for me lately. Great, now I’m going to have that Janet Jackson song stuck in my head all day.

Tell you what, I wouldn’t want to face the Lions in the first round, they could have a pretty big chip on their shoulders. Host San Dimas is the first test on Friday for the four-time defending section champions, including last season’s Northwest Divison title, and winners of 17 consecutive postseason games. Beyond that, No. 2-seeded Gardena Serra looms in the quarterfinals and a date with rival Oak Park in the semifinals is a distinct possibility. Top-seeded Morro Bay appears to have the easiest route to the title game.

‘We don’t have any major problems with the playoff draw,’’ Lions Coach Bill Redell said. ‘Then again, we don’t pay too much attention to that stuff anyways. Never have. We know we’ll have to play someone good eventually. There’s no excuses. Well, if we lose, I might try to come up with one. In all seriousness, we’re ready.’’

Oaks Christian will certainly benefit from the return of Christopher Owusu. The highly touted senior has been sidelined since late September with a troublesome knee injury but is expected to start. That’s going to give the team’s collective spirit a boost, no doubt. Really though, if this group needs any added motivation, they need not look any further than the playoff bracket itself. The No. 3 seeding is unmistakable, sticking out like a sore thumb for everyone to see.

- Sean Ceglinsky