Today is the day and in less than two hours we will kick off the first round of the playoffs. It has just started raining so I wonder if that will affect the higher seeded teams that are supposed to dominate the lower seeded teams or can the lower ranked teams take advantage of this unexpected weather. E-Harmony couldn’t have put together better matchups and they look even better if the rain can even the odds a bit for the lesser ranked teams. I love the underdog in any situation because they’re not supposed to win. I like upsets so here are some first round games that I’ll be watching for in each division tonight.

Division I: Pitman at Monterey Trail on paper looks like a no brainer in favor of Monterey Trail. After all MT posted an 8-2 record in the regular season, meanwhile, The Pitman Pride lucked out and barely made the playoffs. Their record (6-4) doesn’t tell their whole story because if anyone has watched them play this year they will tell you that they can easily play like an 8-2 team if they are all on the same page. The Trail come from a very good division so I might just be blowing hot air here but I think that Pitman will win this game. It will be close…Final Score: Pitman 22, Monterey Trail 16.

Division II: Christian Brothers at Del Oro are two evenly matched teams. The C.B. Falcons can put up points with the best of them and allowed less than 18 points a game this season. They have not beaten too many good teams but have a good chance if they can hold Del Oro’s offense to less than 18 points. Both teams averaged over 30 points per game this year. Del Oro, on the other hand, has had a strong schedule and has beaten a quality team in Granite Bay. They have the upper hand with an unblemished 5-0 home record. Final Score: Christian Brothers 34, Del Oro 31.

Division III: Any Valley Oak League team. Natomas at Oakdale, Mira Loma at Sierra, or Casa Roble at Manteca should all prove to be competitive games. This may be Oakdale’s only win in the post season because if they win they have Vanden next week and Inderkum the following week. Both are powerhouses. Sierra has an easier road if they win against Mira Loma. I’d pick them to get to the DIII championship. Manteca’s game should be a barn burner as both teams has the skill players to light up this rainy night. Final Scores: Oakdale 45, Natomas 28...Sierra 21, Mira Loma 10…Manteca 17, Casa Roble 14.

Division IV: Hilmar at Escalon is the game the Cougars have been waiting for. Escalon lost a heartbreaker to Modesto Christian that cost them the Trans-Valley League title. Nevertheless, they have a short memory and are ready to make their move in the playoffs. They will be looking to get their revenge against the Crusaders and they have to topple Hilmar to start. Escalon is determined and will beat Hilmar handedly. Final Score: Escalon 34, Hilmar 6.

Division V: There really isn’t a terrific game here. Two teams on byes and the other four teams have records hovering around .500. So I’m picking another DI game I’m watching with enthusiasm. Davis at Vacaville is the best news I got in a while. I thought my Spartans were out of it and they caught a break and are in the playoffs. I don’t know much about Vacaville but I do know this about my Spartans. They were projected to be a lot better than their record indicated, however, I think a shot at the playoffs rejuvenates any team and I think Davis is refocused and ready to rock. Davis outmuscles Vacaville. Final Score: Davis 16, Vacaville 3.

Division VI: Big Valley Christian at Delta is sort of intriguing. I don’t know anything about Delta from Clarksburg. I know they beat a lot of teams in their division. They have a 4-1 home record and can put up points. I’m rooting for Big Valley Christian because I’ve always had a soft spot for them ever since I worked at the Modesto Bee. No matter the score, their coaches always called in their box score. Did anyone care whether or not it was in the newspaper…probably not, but you know what they are making themselves known with winning programs. Good luck. Final Score: Big Valley Christian 20, Delta 19.