Is Mike Moon nuts?
Essentially, that’s what some of his local coaching peers wanted to know as the Pacifica High football team prepared to visit national powerhouse Sierra Canyon with the first game of its Marmonte League title defense right around the corner.
The 4-0 Tritons are set for the ultimate litmus test on Friday, Sept. 25, in Chatsworth, where the No. 12 team in Cal-Hi Sports’ state rankings will visit No. 3.
Sierra Canyon (4-0), ranked No. 14 in this week’s USA Today Super Top 25 national rankings, is coming off an impressive 28-10 win over visiting Orange Lutheran.
“Playing them going into league isn’t ideal,” admitted Moon, “but I’m personally excited to play the game.”
The game was originally agreed for Week 4, but Pacifica agreed to
push the game a week so Sierra Canyon could face Orange Lutheran.
The matchup was part of an effort by Pacifica to beef up its nonleague schedule after consecutive CIF-State championship bowl appearances.
The Tritons handled two-time state champion San Diego-Lincoln, 52-27, in Week 2.
“Of course you want to prove yourself,” Moon said. “It is a prove-it game for a lot of these guys.”
So how does this challenge look?
“Exactly how everybody thinks it looks,” Moon said. “I think they know we have some guys who can play. But up front, their entire offensive and defensive line is going to be playing Division I football.”
Sierra Canyon’s defensive line includes Texas (Kasi Currie) and Ohio State (Marcus Fakatou) commits. Its secondary includes UCLA (Myles Baker) and UC Berkeley (Duvay Williams) commits.
Its offensive line is anchored by San Diego State-bound senior center Tyson Seidman, the son of former Westlake High and UCLA tight end Mike Seidman.
“We don’t matchup up front,” admitted Moon. “But the reality is we haven’t with the vast majority of the high-level teams that we’ve played and we’ve still been able to play the game.”
This may be the ultimate challenge for Pacifica’s historic senior class, which is now 30-4 all-time in the regular season.
“Everybody is dialed in,” said linebacker PeeWee Wilson. “Everyone is bought in. Can’t wait. We’re heading into the game the same way we always do, ready to compete.”
On to the Week 4 picks. Let’s see how much Joe Knows.
Friday
Sierra Canyon 42, Pacifica 21: Seven local teams are a combined 5-18 against Sierra Canyon all time.
Ventura 35, Calabasas 34: The first meeting between the Cougars and Coyotes is an interesting matchup.
Rio Mesa 20, Oxnard 17: The Spartans have won the last five meetings. The Yellowjackets lead the series, 26-22.
Royal 31, Glendale 21: The Highlanders look to finish nonleague schedule at 5-0.
Last week: 17-1 (.944).
This season: 77-17 (.819).
Joe Curley — aka Jostradamus — writes The Star’s high school football picks column. He can be reached at joe.curley@vcstar.com. Follow him at @vcsjoecurley on Twitter/X, Instagram/Threads and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Jostradamus assesses Mike Moon’s sanity as he makes Week 5 picks
